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UN Security Council renews mandate of peacekeeping mission in Cote d’Ivoire

26 July 2012 21:22 (UTC +04:00)

Baku-APA. The UN Security Council unanimously adopted a resolution here on Thursday to renew the mandate of the UN Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) for another year, and urged the Ivorian government to enhance dialogue with the political opposition, APA reports quoting XÄ°nhua.

In the resolution, the Council decided to extend the mandate of UNOCI until July 31, 2013, and underscored that the protection of civilians remains a priority for UNOCI.

According to the resolution, the Security Council welcomed the overall progress toward restoring security, peace and stability in Cote d’Ivoire, and called on all national stakeholders to work together for the stabilization and reconstruction of the country.

Cote d’Ivoire is still recovering and rebuilding after a violent post-electoral crisis. A runoff presidential election held on Nov. 28, 2010 resulted in the internationally recognized victory of Alassane Ouattara, but his opponent Laurent Gbagbo refused to concede defeat. Fighting between forces loyal to the two candidates continued until mid-April of 2011, when Gbagbo finally surrendered.

The Security Council urged the government of Cote d’Ivoire to " promote justice and reconciliation" at all levels and on all sides.

It also called on the government to step up concrete measures to enhance political dialogue with the opposition, and ensure political space for the opposition. At the same time, the Council urged the opposition parties to "play a constructive role and contribute towards reconciliation."