Thank you Mr. President,
I wish to thank Minister Bassolé and Mr. Moussa for their briefings. We are pleased to have Ambassador Dje Dje here with us today as well. The United States would also like to acknowledge the essential role played by President Compaore and his government in brokering the Ougadougou Peace Agreement. We look forward to working with such proven diplomats in the Council next year.
The United States applauds the launching of the movable courts on September 25. However, as these courts are not operating throughout the country, we urge the Ivorian government to expand the implementation of this process as soon as possible. Only through a complete, thorough, and credible identification – and later registration process can the ground be paved for free and fair elections in Cote d’Ivoire.
We were pleased to see the formal commencement of the disarmament, demobilization, and reintegration efforts on July 20, but we are all frustrated by the slow progress of DDR in Cote d’Ivoire since. We hope the ongoing disagreement over ranks and numbers of personnel expected to join the unified army can be soon resolved so this important process can move forward.
The United States reiterates its condemnation of the attack on Prime Minister Soro on June 29, and the several deaths that resulted, and stresses that the perpetrators of this criminal attack must be brought to justice.
We note the decrease in reports of human rights violations in Cote d’Ivoire since the signing of the OPA, but are still concerned that human rights abuses against civilians continue throughout the country. We encourage all Ivorian parties to abide by international human rights standards.
The United States is encouraged by a new bill drafted in January 2007 and mentioned in the Secretary-General’s report that would establish anti-trafficking programs in the Ministry of Family, Women and Social Affairs, the judicial police, the International Organization for Migration, and several national and international organizations. We understand that this measure is with the Council of Ministers now, and we encourage Cote d’Ivoire to adopt the law soon.
Finally Mr. President let me also indicate U.S. support for the draft press statement on Cote d’Ivoire that was distributed by the French delegation.
Thank you.
