Brussels, 23/11/2011 (Agence Europe) - Much remains to be done to put Côte d'Ivoire back on an even keel after the post-electoral hostilities of November last year. Alassane Ouattara can, however, continue to count on the support of the EU in restoring the State, justice, and national reconciliation, and in driving forward the democratic process, with “transparent and inclusive” legislative elections. That was the message delivered by European Council President Herman Van Rompuy to the Ivoirian president when the two met in Brussels on 23 November. Ouattara expressed his gratitude to the EU for the aid his country has received to help it out of the crisis and to rebuild, and he sought an increase in aid to help Côte d'Ivoire become once again the economic driver and political heavyweight in the region.
“The happy outcome of the post-electoral crisis is a victory for democracy in Africa. The EU firmly supported the president legitimately elected in November. I am particularly pleased that the clearly expressed wishes of the voters were ultimately respected. I assured Mr Ouattara of our commitment to supporting Côte d'Ivoire in its efforts. Much remains to be done to restore civil and military authority throughout the country. I have no doubt that Côte d'Ivoire will succeed”, Van Rompuy told the press. He said he had encouraged Ouattara to continue his efforts to bring justice “that does not discriminate between victors and vanquished in order to be able definitively to move on” and he was delighted to have “felt the desire for justice to be delivered”. Van Rompuy confirmed that, “despite the crisis, the EU will abide by its development aid commitments”.
Ouattara conveyed “the gratitude of the Ivoirian people for the great support received during the long period of post-electoral crisis” and also beforehand “for the organisation of democratic elections”. He added: “The crisis was terrible. We managed, ultimately, to get through it. The EU has supported us politically, economically and diplomatically. Côte d'Ivoire is determined to strengthen peace and security. Security is returning and is growing stronger. We will ensure that this security will be achieved through putting the necessary instruments in place and also through dialogue, reconciliation and truth. Ivoirians have to re-learn how to live together. We have a large-scale reconstruction programme”, he said. He expressed confidence that the request for confirmation and increase in EU support under the 10th European Development Fund (EDF) will be given careful consideration by the EU. “Côte d'Ivoire has a vision for the future, not only for our country, but for the sub-region and for the continent of Africa. World growth is flagging. We can make our contribution (Ed.: to remedying this) if we can find peace and security”, he said. (AN/transl.rt)