UN chief welcomes renewal of UN mission in Cote d'Ivoire for a final period

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Thursday welcomed the Security Council's mandate renewal of United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) for a final period.

"It is the continued positive evolution of the situation in Cote d'Ivoire, including the successful conclusion of the presidential elections last year, which has enabled the United Nations to enter the final stage of peacekeeping in the country," said a statement released by Ban's spokesperson.

Earlier on Thursday, the Security Council voted unanimously to renew the mandate of UNOCI until June 30, 2017.

The 15-nation council also requested UN secretary-general to complete the withdrawal of all uniformed and civilian UNOCI components by the end of April 2017.

"The Secretary-General recognizes the important role played by partners throughout the Ivorian crises, in particular the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, the troop and police contributing countries and the United Nations country team, which facilitated the achievements made by UNOCI," said the statement.

Ban also underscored the importance of the continued engagement of all partners during the transformation of the United Nations' engagement in Cote d'Ivoire over the course of the next year, in particular through the United Nations Country Team, and following the closure of UNOCI.

UNOCI was established in 2004 to facilitate the peace process of the West African nation and its mandate has been extended for several times.

In January this year, the Security Council decided to decrease the authorized ceiling of military personnel of the UN mission due to considerable progress made in the country on the path of reconciliation, stability, and economic recovery.

Source: XINHUA