S/PV.6591 Security Council

There were 15 votes in favour. The draft resolution has been adopted unanimously as resolution 2000 (2011). I would like to take this opportunity to recall that resolution 1000 (1995) was adopted on 23 June 1995. It is mere coincidence that resolution 1000 (1995), concerning the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Cyprus, was, like resolution 2000 (2011), adopted under the presidency of Germany. I am sure that I speak for all members of the Security Council in paying tribute to all delegations that have served on the Council over the 65 years since resolution 1 of 25 January 1946 was adopted. I now give the floor to the representative of Côte d’Ivoire.

As the members of the Security Council are aware, Côte d’Ivoire is emerging from a violent post-electoral crisis that killed 3,000 people, displaced 1 million people internally, and led 300,000 refugees to flee to neighbouring countries. It also led to the deterioration of much economic and institutional infrastructure, in particular prisons and courts. The Government of Côte d’Ivoire has been striving for some two months for a swift return to normalcy so as to create conditions conducive to the effective implementation of President Ouattara’s programme, on the basis of which the people of Côte d’Ivoire voted for him overwhelmingly in the most fair, transparent and free democratic election ever held in my country. It is in that context that my delegation welcomes the unanimous adoption by the Security Council of resolution 2000 (2011), extending the mandate of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) and Operation Licorne for 12 months, until 31 July 2012. In so doing, the Security Council has demonstrated its support for democracy in Côte d’Ivoire and made manifest the commitment of the international community to supporting Côte d’Ivoire in its recovery and stabilization following the crisis. There are many challenges ahead, including above all the issue of security, and they are all pressing. At the same time, much progress has been made. We therefore welcome the timely adoption of resolution 2000 (2011), which will help us to accelerate the normalization process under way. The resolution adopted today is historic because it enshrines the victory of the will of the people of Côte d’Ivoire. As you noted, Sir, it is a symbolic resolution. It is not by chance that the Council adopted both resolutions 1000 (1995) and 2000 (2011) under a German presidency. It is a round number, symbolizing a new beginning filled with promise for a radiant future of peace and prosperity for Côte d’Ivoire. More specifically, resolution 2000 (2011) addresses the progress made on the ground by the Ivorian authorities. It commends the initiatives of the President of Côte d’Ivoire to stabilize the country in the areas of security, assistance to internally displaced persons, the promotion of reconciliation and the rehabilitation of infrastructure. It takes note of the establishment of the Forces républicaines de Côte d’Ivoire, replacing the former Forces de sécurité et de defense de Côte d’Ivoire. It stresses the importance of future legislative elections and the full restoration of constitutional order. The resolution maintains the robust deterrent force of UNOCI, with a troop ceiling of 9,792 personnel on the ground, as well as reinforcements. It is important to note that the resolution upholds the certification of the legislative elections, taking the necessary adaptations into account. It commends the establishment of the Dialogue, Truth and Reconciliation Commission, and attaches particular importance to the protection of civilians and respect for human rights in Côte d’Ivoire. It reaffirms the leadership of the Government of Côte d’Ivoire in the implementation of security sector reform, and addresses the need for a new disarmament, demobilization and reintegration programme tailored to the new circumstances, highlighting both objective and personal criteria. The resolution addresses the recommendations of the Human Rights Council in Geneva and refers to the International Criminal Court, as sought by President Ouattara, who is here at United Nations Headquarters in New York. He has just had a very important and fruitful meeting with the Secretary-General and a working meeting with the President of the General Assembly, at which he took the opportunity to reiterate Côte d’Ivoire’s commitment to adhering to the noble ideals of the United Nations Charter. The return of peace to Côte d’Ivoire is a vibrant reality in the daily lives of the people of Côte d’Ivoire. That peace should be strengthened and consolidated so that the country can recover its former prosperity and its natural place as a nexus of political stability and economic growth in the West African subregion. To that end, progress must be further extended and accelerated. My delegation believes that the renewal of the UNOCI and Operation Licorne mandates will contribute decisively to that end.

There are no further speakers inscribed on my list. The Security Council has thus concluded the present stage of its consideration of the item on its agenda. The Security Council will remain seized of the matter.