CÔTE D'IVOIRE / UNOCI CHIEF RECEIVES FPI SECRETARY-GENERAL

ABIDJAN, Côte d'Ivoire, April 27, 2012/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Bert Koenders, had a meeting on Thursday 26 April 2012 at the headquarters of the UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) with the Secretary-General of the Front Populaire Ivoirien (FPI – Ivorian Popular Front), Laurent Akoun.

Mr. Koenders said the meeting was held within the framework of the process he has initiated with a view to giving a boost to the Ivorian political dialogue. “We discussed the possibility, the need for the FPI to participate in the debate organised by the Government in Grand Bassam on 27 and 28 April, » he said.

It's the FPI that has the last word, Mr. Koenders said. However, he stressed, “it is important for them to take part. It is I who asked the Government to conduct an official dialogue and I think it's important for all political parties to participate. On that issue, I had a very good discussion with Mr. Akoun.”