Côte d’Ivoire / Political tension is gradually decreasing, says UNOCI chief
ABIDJAN, Côte d’Ivoire, February 26, 2010/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The political tension which has been apparent for about two weeks is gradually decreasing, the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Côte d’Ivoire, Y.J. Choi, said in Dakar on Thursday.
Speaking during a press conference at the end of the 18th meeting of the heads of UN missions in West Africa, Mr. Choi said that the government had been announced and an agreement had been reached on the formation of a new Independent Electoral Commission.
He had earlier expressed regret over the delays in the electoral timetable.
The Chief of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) highlighted the need to preserve the achievements, especially the provisional electoral list, and produce a definitive electoral list as soon as possible.
In a communique, released at the end of the one-day meeting, participants noted that a crisis in one country could destablise the sub-region. They therefore stressed the importance of organising peaceful and fair elections.
Participants also discussed the 10th anniversary of Security Council Resolution 1325 within the framework of the Secretary-General’s ongoing campaign to end violence against women.
Resolution 1325, which deals with women, peace and security, was unanimously adopted in October 2000.
SOURCE
Mission of UN in Côte d’Ivoire
