UN Security Council: mandate extended in Cote d’Ivoire
Posted by African Press International on July 17, 2007
Abidjan (Cote dIvoire) The United Nations Security Council on Monday extended to 15 January 2008, the mandate of the UN Operation in Cote dIvoire (UNOCI) and the French Licorne force in Cote dIvoire, UNOCI FM radio announced here on Tuesday.
According to the “peace” radio, the 15 members of the Council unanimously approved the French-sponsored resolution extending the current UNOCI mandate, which expired last Monday.
“The Resolution 1765 insists that the Security Council will examine before 15 October, the mandate of the two operations and UNOCI numbers, in the light of the progress made in the implementation of the peace process”, ONUCI FM went on.
“The Council also decided to terminate the mandate of the UN Representative for Ivorian elections, Gerard Stoudman and assigned that mission to UN Secretary General, Ban Ki-moons Special Envoy in Cote dIvoire”, the same source said.
In April 2004, the UN deployed over 7,500 troops in Cote dIvoire, in addition to the 3,500 French soldiers of the Licorne Operation, to monitor the ceasefire signed on 18 October 2002 between the two warring factions.
Cote dIvoire was on 19 September 2002 split in two following a political and military crisis, the north being held by the New Forces (former rebels) and the south by the regular army.
The country now seems to have embarked on a genuine peace process, after President Laurent Gbagbo and former rebel leader, Guillaume Sorowho was appointed Prime Minister a few days later signed in Ouagadougou, Burkina Faso, a political agreement on 04 March 2007.
Published by Korir, API*APN africanpress@chello.no tel +47 932 99 739 or +47 6300 2525 source.APA
