LOC18:57
15:57 GMT
UNITED NATIONS, Jan 19 (KUNA) - Acting upon recommendation by
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon, the UN Security Council on Tuesday authorized
the deployment of additional troops and military equipment to the UN Operation
in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI); allowed UN Special envoy there Choi Yound-Jin to use
"all necessary means" to ensure the troops freedom of movement and protect
civilians; and expressed readiness to impose targeted sanctions against those
who obstruct peace in the country.
Amid reports that the political and security situation in the West African
country is still worrisome, the Council authorized additional 2,000 military
personnel until June 30 of this year, and the extension by up to one month the
temporary redeployment from the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) to UNOCI of
three infantry companies, one aviation unit comprised of two military utility
helicopters, and three armed helicopters with crews.
The international community has recognized opposition leader Alassane
Ouattara as the UN-certified and rightful President of Cote d'Ivoire following
the elections last November, and has been trying, in vain, to persuade
incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo, who lost those elections, to step down and
concede defeat.
The Council also urged Gbagbo to lift the ongoing blockade around the Golf
Hotel where Ouattara and his government are barricaded and to stop propagating
false information about UNOCI and inciting hatred and violence through his
radio and television.
Forces loyal to Gbagbo have attacked UN personnel and burned UN vehicles
belonging to the 9,100-strong UNOCI which has been supporting efforts over the
past seven years to reunify a country split by civil war in 2002 into a
government-controlled south and rebel-held north. (end)
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