Abidjan, 14 May 2009...... The United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) welcomes the announcement of the 29 November 2009 for the holding of presidential election. This is a positive development in the crisis-resolution process. Together with the remarkable progress achieved in the identification and voter registration operation, it should give new impetus to the peace process since the signing of the Ouagadougou Political Agreement (OPA) on 4 March 2007.

In the same vein, UNOCI strongly urges all the Ivorian parties to redouble their efforts with a view to carrying out the remaining tasks as outlined in the fourth supplementary accord to the OPA, in order to achieve the reunification of the country.

In accordance with its mandate, UNOCI will continue its support to all the actors implicated in the search for a lasting peace in Cote d'Ivoire, particularly with regard to the reunification of the country and the holding of open, fair, free and transparent elections.