Abidjan, 5 July 2011... The Special Representative for the United Nations Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Y.J. Choi, on Tuesday, met with the Africa Adviser of Senator John Kerry, the Chairman of the American Senate's Committee on Foreign Relations.

Speaking at the end of the meeting, which was held in headquarters of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) in Abidjan, Mrs Smith said she had come to discuss the current situation in the country with the head of UNOCI, on behalf of Senator Kerry. "The Committee is very interested in the evolution of the situation in the country and the reconciliation process".

A specialist on peacekeeping and health, Mrs Smith said her visit in Côte d'Ivoire was in connection with her desire to improve her knowledge on the post-crisis situation. In this regard, she will also visit the west of the country this week.

Mrs Smith was accompanied by the United State ambassador to Côte d'Ivoire, Philip Carter III. She leaves Côte d'Ivoire on Friday.