“We support and encourage all the parties concerned to maintain the momentum of reconciliation, dialogue and cooperation in line with the Ouagadougou Political Agreement and its Supplementary Agreements, thereby helping to keep the peace process and nurture an environment conducive for political stability and socio-economic reconstruction in the wake of the polls,” Minh said at the UNSC debate on Cote d’Ivoire.

The diplomat urged UN agencies, the African Union (AU), the Economic Community of West African States (ECWAS) and the international community to help Cote d’Ivoire overcome challenges in each particular phase of development.

He noted the continued progress in the process of peace consolidation and post-conflict reconstruction in Cote d’Ivoire since the signing of the Ouagadougou Agreement, including the overall stable political and security situation and the incipient economic recovery, the sustained partnership between political parties, the removal of the zone of confidence that had physically divided the territory, and the restoration of the population’s right to move freely in the country.

The ambassador applauded the continued preparations by the concerned parties for the Presidential elections slated for November 30, 2008.

However, Minh also raised concern about the continued volatile situation in northern and western areas, the growing localised criminality, the persistent lack of progress on the disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration of ex-combatants, as well as the stalled unification of armed forces and restoration of State administration throughout the country.

Vietnam pushes for peace progress in Cote d’Ivoire