Le Mandat, Fraternite Matin: Outgoing UNOCI Chief, Bert Koenders met with Ivorian PM Kablan Duncan yesterday to bid him farewell before departing to his new assignment in Mali. "I came to thank the PM for the good cooperation between UNOCI and Cote d'Ivoire," declared Mr. Koenders adding that he was optimistic about the prospects for Cote d'Ivoire. He said some of the challenges the country must tackle include disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration as well as security sector reform.



Le Patriote, Le Jour Plus, Le Democrate: Mr. Koenders has said impartial justice was the basis of national reconciliation. In a conversation with the media last Sunday, he said Ivorians have shown a willingness and capacity to reconcile among themselves, adding that the reform of the judiciary was one of the big challenges to be overcome as well as security sector reform, reform of the penitentiary and the fight against corruption.



L'Intelligent d'Abidjan, Le Mandat: The Minister-delegate for Defence, Paul Koffi Koffi yesterday opened a seminar on security along the Ivorian-Liberian border. The seminar was jointly organised by the Ivorian and Liberian Armies, UNOCI and UNMIL to examine ways of reducing attacks in the border zone. Mr. Koffi Koffi noted that calm has been restored in the Liberian border zone thanks to the joint efforts of the impartial forces , the Ivorian and Liberian Armies.



Soir Info: Judges of the investigating chamber of the ICC have adjourned the confirmation of charges against former Ivorian president Laurent Gbgbo who has been accused of crimes against humanity. The Court yesterday requested the Prosecutor to furnish additional evidence before it can decide to proceed with the trial or not. Meanwhile Notre Voie reports that Mr. Gbagbo's party the FPI is arguing that faced with insufficient evidence, the court should simply release Mr. Gbagbo. Le Patriote says contrary to rumours circulating in Abidjan and the rest of the country, Laurent Gbagbo will not be released. The Court said Laurent Gbagbo will remain at the Hague until 24 April when his fate will be decided.



Le Patriote: Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara has declared to AFP that he will likely put in his candidacy for the 2015 presidential elelction. The 71-year old leader was speaking in Yokohama where he was attendding an international conference on African development. "I met a country in complete ruins, in need of reconstruction. I have indicated that I don't' think I will be able to accomplish the work within the remaining time and will likely go in for a second mandate," Mr. Ouattara stated.