The Principal Deputy Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Mr. Simon Munzu, on Tuesday, 16 December 2014 received the Swiss Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, Mr. Thomas Litscher, at the headquarters of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) in Abidjan.



Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Litscher said: « UNOCI plays an important role in Côte d'Ivoire and Switzerland, as a member state of the United Nations supports the Mission ».



The Ambassador also said that Switzerland had provided police and customs experts for the Mission, adding that his visit was to meet UNOCI officials and inquire about the current situation in the country and the Mission's mid-term and long-term plans with regard to the holding of peaceful elections and its eventual closure if these elections are successful and peaceful.



Concerning his country's commitment regarding the forthcoming elections in Côte d'Ivoire, Ambassador Litscher said that if Switzerland was asked, it was ready to take part in observer missions. « We could also provide financial support to non-governmental organisations and civil society groups if they ask us for assistance in this regard, » he added.