The

local press continues to highlight the departure to the UN Mission in Mali of

former UN Special Representative, Bert Koenders.

Fraternite Matin

focuses on Mr. Koenders' farewell message to Ivorians in which he expresses

confidence that Cote d'Ivoire is capable of consolidating achievements made in

the last two years.

Le

Mandat:

Administrative authorities and the elites of the greater west region of Cote

d'Ivoire on Tuesday made a commitment to be fully involved in the national

reconciliation and reconstruction process. The pledge was made at a forum

organised by UNOCI.

Nord-Sud, L'Inter, Le Nouveau Reveil, Le Jour Plus, Le Quotidien d'Abidjan:

The national Authority for Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration (ADDR),

in its quest for  a lasting peace in Cote d'Ivoire , organised the destruction

of 20 mortar shells collected from ex-combatants in an operation  at its DDR

site in the Anyama neighbourghood of Abidjan. The operation was jointly carried

out by experts of the Ivorian Army (FRCI) and UNOCI after taking precautions to

ensure the safety of the surrounding population.

Nord-Sud:

A joint meeting of the military hierarchy of the Armed Forces of Cote d'Ivoire,

Liberia, UNOCI Force and the UN Force in Liberia has decided to reinforce

security and step up joint military exercises along the Ivorian-Liberian border.

Soir

Info:

The Prefect of Police in Daloa has been touring police stations under his

jurisdiction to urge security agents to be more vigilant with regard to the

jihadist threat, insecurity and armed robbery that are on the rise in the Haut

Sassandra region. He pointed out the prevailing situation in Mali and Niger and

warned the police to be on their guard.

Le

Patriote Le Nouveau Courrier, Notre Voie:

The Ivorian Popular Front FPI says it is satisfied with the decision of the

International Criminal Court (ICC) to adjourn the confirmation of charges

against its leader, former Ivorian president Alassane Ouattara. It however

expressed surprise that the ICC gave the Prosecutor time to dig up more evidence

against Mr. Gbagbo. FPI interim Secretary-General Richard Kodjo issued a

communique calling on the AU and UN to demand the discharge and acquittal of

Laurent Gbagbo.

Le

Patriote, Nord-Sud, Soir Info, L'Expression:

Victims and relatives of victims of the Ivorian post electoral crisis and

concerned members of civil society gathered at the Adjame town hall in Abidjan

yesterday to vent their indignation and anger at the 'lack of courage' of the

ICC. "What evidence if the ICC looking for? " they ask, adding: "If the ICC

wants Cote d'Ivoire to go up in flames, let it release Laurent Gbagbo." The

victims are organising public demonstrations scheduled to begin on Sunday.

Soir

Info, L'Inter, L'Intelligent d'Abidjan LG Infos:

The pro-Gbagbo youth movement COJEP is planning a public meeting on Saturday in

Yopougon district of Abidjan to demand a general amnesty for persons accused of

crimes committed during the post electoral crisis. COJEP promoters believe a

general amnesty would facilitate national reconciliation.

Soir

Info, L'Inter, Le Patriote, Le Nouveau Reveil:

French President Francois Hollande yesterday in Paris received the Houphouet

Boigny prize for peace in the presence of Ivorian President Alassane Ouatara and

former Ivorian president Henri Konan Bedie.  The UNESCO award was given to the

French President in recognition of French intervention in Mali.