Abidjan, 09 January 2008 ...The Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Y. J. Choi, opened a conference of military chiefs of the UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), headed by Force Commander General Fernand Amoussou, in Abidjan on Friday.

Mr. Choi congratulated them on the work they accomplished in 2008 in the execution of their mandate to maintain peace and security in Côte d'Ivoire. He also underlined their contribution to UNOCI's humanitarian initiatives through the mission's programme of Quick Impact Projects (QIPs).

The SRSG placed special emphasis on the United Nations' policy of zero tolerance of sexual exploitation and abuse. In this regard, he praised the behaviour of UNOCI's troops over the past year, and exhorted the military chiefs to continue educating their soldiers on respecting and protecting the Ivorian populations they have come to serve.

He also highlighted the challenges the UNOCI Force will face in 2009, particularly with regard to accompanying the Ivorian partners so that the Ouagadougou Political Accord [and in particular its fourth complementary agreement, signed on 22 December 2008] can be successfully implemented.