Abidjan, 2 October 2009... The day after his arrival in Côte d'Ivoire, the world salsa music star, Johnny Pacheco, as a peace campaigner, visited the United Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), where he was welcomed by the Principal Deputy Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Cote d'Ivoire, Abou Moussa, on Friday, 2 October.

"I invite Ivorians to love each other, to live together, to work together to bring harmony to their country," declared Mr. Pacheco, at the end of his encounter with staff members at the Mission's headquarters in Sebroko.

He said he had enjoyed his visit to UNOCI and that the Mission "was doing incredible work".

Johnny Pacheco was accompanied by his wife. During some 30 minutes, in a celebratory atmosphere, he discussed his music career and his campaign for peace with UNOCI staff members.

Johnny Pacheco arrived in Abidjan on Thursday, 1st October and he is scheduled to perform two concerts dedicated to peace and the crisis-resolution process in Côte d'Ivoire.