Abidjan, 2 June 2011 The Special Representative of the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Y.J. Choi, on Thursday discussed the post-electoral situation with the Norwegian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Erik Solheim.

Speaking at the end of the meeting, Mr. Solheim said he had come to discuss the crisis-resolution process with the chief of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), and the assistance that his country can provide in the aftermath of the electoral process. "I came to thank Mr. Choi and UNOCI for their contribution to the resolution of the Ivorian crisis and for providing security to personnel at the Norwegian embassy," he said.

Mr. Solheim added that he had discussed the same issues with various Ivorian officials, including the president of the National Assembly, Mamadou Koulibaly. "We discussed ways in which we can ensure that Côte d'Ivoire becomes totally reconciled in order to ensure that another conflict does not arise. It is important that the police return to their normal duties and the soldiers return to their camps in order to ensure security," the Norwegian diplomat explained.

He said that this aspect was absolutely essential because he had noticed during a visit to the west of Côte d'Ivoire, especially in Duékoué, that internally displaced persons would like to return to their normal lives once there is security. "This is also necessary for the economy to take off," added Mr. Solheim.

He also gave the assurance that his country will continue to support the crisis- resolution process. "We are one of the largest contributors to the crisis- resolution process through our assistance to UN agencies such as UNICEF and OCHA. We also intend to increase our contribution so that everything works out well," he said.