The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire and head of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), Mrs Aïchatou Mindaoudou, on Wednesday evening, 9 April 2014, held discussions with the Ivorian Interior Minister, Hamed Bakayoko, in Abidjan.



During the meeting, the Special Representative and the Ivorian Interior Minister held wideranging discussions on the current socio-political situation in Côte d'Ivoire.



They talked about the reform of the Independent Electoral Commission, the revision of the electoral list, the resumption of dialogue between the Government and Opposition parties.



« Our wish is that the Special Representative continues her involvement in bringing the Government and the Opposition closer together, » said Minister Hamed Bakayoko. He said that Ivorians had no choice but to speak to each. « We should never resist dialogue. Sooner or later, we have to meet one another. We have no choice but to speak to each other. I think what the Special Representative is doing to bring peace between all parties is a very good thing. The Government remains open to dialogue, » added Mr. Bakayoko.



On the issue of the reform of the Independent Electoral Commission, the Special Representative welcomed the decision taken by the Government to do so. « I would like to reaffirm the importance that the United Nations accords to the electoral process, » she said.



In addition, she expressed the hope that a credible, inclusive and transparent mechanism will be put in place to ensure that free, credible and regular presidential election are organised in a calm environment in Côte d'Ivoire.



With regard to political dialogue, Mrs Mindaoudou, reaffirmed the United Nations commitment to accompany Ivorians during the process.