Abidjan 24 July 2008........ Some 1000 Jordanian soldiers serving with the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), were decorated with the United Nations Medal on Thursday at the end of their mission in the country.

Receiving the honour from UNOCI's Force Commander, General Fernand Marcel Amoussou, were 848 peacekeepers from the 4th Jordanian Battalion, 200 from the 6th Jordanian Company and 12 Jordanian staff officers along with four Military Observers of other nationalities with the United Nations Medal.

General Amoussou praised the Jordanian contingent for its unceasing efforts in maintaining peace and stability in Côte d'Ivoire. "This day is a day on which we honour the good work of the Jordanian Contingent", he said.

Thanking the Ivorian authorities for their efforts in facilitating the work of the UNOCI Force on the ground, General Amoussou assured them that the Force would continue to pursue its mandate and would spare no effort to do so.

Speaking at the ceremony, the Commander of the Jordanian Contingent, Colonel Mashhoor Altawalbah, said that his troops would continue to fulfill their mission in Côte d'Ivoire, which is to contribute to the restoration of peace and security.

The event was attended by representatives of Force Licorne and the Jordanian community living in Côte d'Ivoire.