The Ivorian Defence Minister Paul Koffi Koffi has praised the contribution of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire for its contribution to the security and reconstruction of the country during his tour of border areas in the west. A contribution which he said had helped to improve the social environment and border security. The Minister was speaking at the weekend in Taï, situated some 720 km west of Abidjan, where he had come to meet the people.



The aim of the Minister's tour was to reassure people, boost the moral of his troops and also express the support and gratitude of Côte d'Ivoire to UNOCI which he said spares no effort in promoting peace in the country. "{Despite working conditions which can sometimes be difficult due to the porosity of the border is porous and the persistent rumours of attacks, UNOCI peacekeepers continue to work with serenity for the return of peace to Côte d'Ivoire and to improve the daily lives of Ivorians. We are grateful to UNOCI for its support and humanism,}" he added.



Minister Paul Koffi Koffi also seized the occasion to stress that Côte d'Ivoire is resolutely on the road to peace and reconciliation. This is why, he added, the Ivorian State has taken all the necessary measures to contain and stop any action aimed at destabilising the population. "{The State is here. Our partner is here. Together we will not allow the brave people to live in fear,}" said the Ivorian Defence Minister.



He also urged people to cooperate and collaborate with the Ivorian defence forces in order to ensure security in the border areas, particularly in the district of Taï. "{Denounce any subversive activities or actions out of the ordinary that you are aware of. These could help us in accomplishing our mission of protection,}" he said. He then promised to decrease the number of checkpoints at the request of the population in order to make traffic more fluid.