The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Mrs Aïchatou Mindaoudou, on Monday, 10 March 2014, received a delegation of French parliamentarians at the headquarters of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) in Sebroko, Abidjan. The parliamentarians, who are from the Defence and Security Commission, came to inquire about the development of UNOCI's mission in the country.



Speaking at the end of the meeting with the Special Representative, Mr. Yves Fromion explained to journalists why the delegation had come to Côte d'Ivoire and the reason for its visit to UNOCI. « Our mission is to see how France's assistance is helping the country to face so many difficult challenges," said Mr. Fromion. "We are accountable to the French people regarding our budgetary commitments so it is only normal for French members of parliament to come and see how things are evolving," he added.

With regard to the security situation in the country, Mr. Rouillard Guendal said that according to information they had received from officials they had spoken with and the Special Representative, the country is moving towards stability. « However, we know that the situation remains fragile, especially socially, because Côte d'Ivoire has a lot of challenges to overcome... the country must prepare democratic elections in 2015 and this is very important. The country not only has to establish stability but also permanently mobilise all the stakeholders in order to guarantee peace," he insisted.



The French parliamentarians said they were confident that things would improve in the country considering that it has already made considerable efforts to overcome a difficult situation «which leads us to have hope that all the goals that have been set will be met in a spirit of democracy," said Yves Fromion.



After Côte d'Ivoire, the delegation is due to go to Mali.