Abidjan, 5 February 2014 – 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, welcomes the decision of the President of Côte d'Ivoire to extend the mandate of the Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation Commission. The extension will allow the Commission to complete its important mission, particularly with regard to the search for the truth, taking into account the legitimate concerns of victims, as well as in deciding the resulting compensation for the trauma and prejudice suffered by victims.



Mrs Aïchatou Mindaoudou encourages the Commission and members of its local branches to seize this opportunity and spare no effort in accomplishing their mission and ensure that they meet the expectations of Ivorians.



« The success of the Commission depends on the common will and contribution of all Ivorians. I urge everyone to become resolutely involved in the implementation of the Commission's new mandate in order to promote social cohesion and national reconciliation, » declared the Special Representative.



UNOCI and the United Nations agencies in Côte d'Ivoire, in collaboration with the international community, will continue to accompany the Commission, the Government, civil society and Ivorians on the path to national reconciliation, which is indispensable for the consolidation of lasting peace and development.