Cablegate: Security Council Consultations: Cote D'ivoire

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OO RUEHMA RUEHPA RUEHTRO
DE RUEHC #4741 2802351
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 072332Z OCT 09
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO RUCNDT/USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 8059
INFO UN SECURITY COUNCIL COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
ECOWAS COLLECTIVE IMMEDIATE
RUEHAB/AMEMBASSY ABIDJAN IMMEDIATE 2758
RUEHMV/AMEMBASSY MONROVIA IMMEDIATE 4837
RUEHRY/AMEMBASSY CONAKRY IMMEDIATE 1900
RUEHFN/AMEMBASSY FREETOWN IMMEDIATE 0279
RUEHFR/AMEMBASSY PARIS IMMEDIATE 6611

UNCLAS STATE 104741

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PREL KPKO IC
SUBJECT: SECURITY COUNCIL CONSULTATIONS: COTE D'IVOIRE

REF: STATE 100175

1. (U) The Security Council will hold consultations on Cote
d'Ivoire on October 13. The Presidential Statement issued on
September 29 (reftel) expressed the Council's concern about
delays in preparations for the November 29 Ivorian elections,
and stated the Council's intention to review the situation
before October 15. USUN may draw on the points in paragraph
2 below.

2. (U) Begin points:

--We thank Ambassador Choi for his briefing today, and again
wish to express our appreciation for the continued dedication
and hard work of the men and women of UNOCI.

--The United States shares the frustration of our colleagues
and, no doubt, of the Ivorian people in the continued delays
in preparations for the presidential and parliamentary
elections.

--We urge the parties to observe the timeline for the
elections and to take the steps necessary to hold nationwide
elections that will demonstrate Cote d'Ivoire's respect for
democracy and commitment to the peace process.

--It is critical that the elections be open, free, fair, and
transparent. They should mark the first step into the next
phase of Cote d'Ivoire's history, one in which all Ivorians
can participate in creating a free and prosperous society.

--The United States notes, as we did in July, that the UN
Mission in Liberia is drawing down and that its ability to
supplement UNOCI's support for the elections will only be
available until the end of February, at the latest. Time is
running out.

--As we are all aware, along with delays in preparing for the
elections, there have been delays in demobilization and
creation of mixed brigades. We would appreciate Ambassador
Choi's comments on how this might affect security for the
elections, and what alternatives are available. As I have
said, UNMIL's support is available only for a limited time,
at a level that has already been factored into the mission's
drawdown schedule.

--We appreciate the invaluable contribution that Licorne
makes to peace and security in Cote d'Ivoire, and hope that
it will continue to support UNOCI as necessary.

--The United States would also like to express its concern
about the recent reporting by the Sanctions Committee's Group
of Experts that, despite some success, there are continuing
violations of the arms embargo and diamond ban. Particularly
when arms and diamonds are moving across borders, these
violations pose a threat not only to Cote d'Ivoire but also
to its neighbors.

--Only a few weeks ago the Council made it clear that we are
prepared to consider additional steps. The United States
underlines that our goal and that of all Cote d'Ivoire's
friends is that the elections be held, and that they meet the
standards and aspirations of the people.
CLINTON

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