Abidjan, 23 September 2008.... The Special Representative of the UN Secretary- General for Côte d'Ivoire, Y.J. Choi, met on Tuesday afternoon with the President of the PDCI-RDA, Henri Konan Bédié, to discuss the evolution of the electoral process. They examined the advances made so far as well as the challenges which remain.

The Chief of the United Nations Operation in Côte d' Ivoire (UNOCI) said that the start of identification and electoral registration constituted a historical moment for the country. He praised the efforts of all concerned in order to meet the logistical challenges despite some delays, which he stressed should now be quickly over come.

The two leaders also discussed security provisions for the electoral process. In this regard, UNOCI and Licorne, will play the role assigned to them as the Impartial Forces, will have a role in line with their mandate as determined by the UN Security Council, said Mr. Choi. He was accompanied by the Force Commander, General Fernand Amoussou and the Director of the Electoral Assistance Division, Ahmed Ould Becaye Seck.

This morning, the Special Representative met the President of the Rally of Republicans (RDR), Alassane Dramane Ouattara to discuss the progress made so far with regard to the electoral process and Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR).