Abidjan, le 15 avril 2009... The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Y. J. Choi, today met with the French Ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, André Janier, at the headquarters of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI).

Speaking after the meeting, Mr. Janier said he had come to exchange views with the head of UNOCI as part of their regular contact to discuss the crisis-resolution process in Côte d'Ivoire. He added that this particular meeting was in connection with the Security Council debate on the situation in Côte d'Ivoire, scheduled to be held on 28 April 2009. "France and the United Nations wanted to co-ordinate their respective points of view before the meeting, because we complement each other and we are working together to help Ivorians find a solution to the crisis", he added.

With regard to the debate among certain elements of the Forces Nouvelles, who want Mr. Guillaume Soro to leave the post of Prime Minister, the French Ambassador explained that the issue was no longer relevant because the Prime Minister, through his spokesman, had made it clear that he intended to continue with his mission. "What is important for us is stability in Côte d'Ivoire. The solution to the crisis is in the Ouagadougou Political Agreement which is being implemented by President Laurent Gbagbo and Prime Minister Guillaume Soro. Therefore the two leaders must stay in their respective posts in order to achieve this goal".

Mr. Janier also seized the occasion to reiterate the fact that France, like the rest of the international community, would like to see elections organised this year, 2009. "Every year that passes aggravates the disagreements and the suffering of the population. It is time for Ivorians to get down to doing other things, like rebuilding their country", he said, adding that France and the international community stood ready to help Côte d'Ivoire.