Norway is very concerned about the way the situation in Côte d’Ivoire has evolved since the presidential election at the end of November, says Foreign Minister Jonas Gahr Støre.
"The parties must respect the election results, which showed that the incumbent president was defeated. At the same time they must ensure that the violence is brought to an end and that fundamental human rights are safeguarded,” the Norwegian Foreign Minister says.
Norway supports the unanimous decision taken in the UN Security Council on 20 December urging all parties to respect the outcome of the election and recognise Alassane Dramane Outtara as the new president. The Security Council also extended the mandate of the United Nations Operation in Cote d’Ivoire (UNOCI) until 30 June 2011.
“It is important that the UN continues to support the peace process while at the same time following the human rights situation in Côte d’Ivoire,” said Mr Støre.
(NRK/Press release)
The Norwegian Government has agreed to cancel Cote d’Ivoire’s remaining debt to Norway of USD 32.7 million. (Photo: Minister of International Development Heikki Holmås.)
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Minister of the Environment and International Development Erik Solheim has announced that the Government has decided to cancel around NOK 20 million of Côte d’Ivoire’s debt to Norway.
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Ivory Coast President elect Alassane Ouattara's most important tasks will be to foster reconciliation and get the wheels turning again in the country, says Norwegian Foreign Minister Støre.
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The Norwegian government is deeply concerned about the situation in Côte d’Ivoire and neighbouring countries, and is therefore providing NOK 20 million in emergency relief to the West African nation.
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