Côte d'Ivoire / UNOCI Chief receives Ambassadors of France and Japan

ABIDJAN, Côte d'Ivoire, November 15, 2011/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Bert Koenders, on Monday, 14 November 2011, held separate meetings with the ambassadors of France and Japan, Jean Marc Simon and Yoshifumi Okamura, at the headquarters of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI in Abidjan.

Speaking after his meeting with Mr. Koenders, the French ambassador said that they had discussed the socio-political situation in the country.

“We discussed preparations for the legislative elections, which is the last stage of the crisis-resolution process. We also talked about the importance of having elections that are as inclusive as possible, and security issues,” he said. We shared the same views in terms of the challenges inherent in the organization of a transparent poll,” Mr. Jean Marc Simon added.

In addition, the French ambassador said that despite the reduction in Licorne troops, the French force will continue to support UNOCI in the implementation of its mandate in Côte d'Ivoire. “Our military and political support to UNOCI is a given,” he said.

The Japanese ambassador declined to make any comment about his meeting with the Special Representative. France and Japan are among the international partners contributing to funding the elections scheduled for 11 December 2011.