The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Mrs Aïchatou Mindaoudou, on Wednesday, 8 January 2014, met the European Union (EU) Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, Thierry de Saint Maurice, to discuss issues of common interest as part of the evolution of the situation in Côte d'Ivoire.



Speaking at the end of the meeting, the EU Ambassador explained the reason for the encounter. "The meeting is part of the regular contact we have with the Special Representative because UNOCI plays a very important role in Côte d'Ivoire on several fronts, such as security, stability, reconciliation and political dialogue, as well as preparations for elections, justice and human rights," said Mr. Thierry de Saint Maurice, adding that he also discussed "areas in which the European Union is very involved politically and operationally with support programmes. He further explained that there were "many issues of common interest which the European Union, through its Ambassador in Côte d'Ivoire discuss regularly with the Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General".



Asked about the evolution of the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (DDR) process, the European Union Ambassador said that although the process started late, since the creation of the Ivorian Authority for DDR (ADDR), it was advancing. "There is progress and the EU has launched a new programme at the cost of 14 million euros for the reinsertion of 7,500 ex-combatants and we are going to work in close collaboration with the ADDR and UNOCI on this," added Mr. Thierry de Saint Maurice.