Brussels, 13/02/2007 (Agence Europe) - The restrictive measures imposed by the EU on Côte d'Ivoire under the CFSP (common foreign and security policy) will be extended until 31 October 2007. The measures relate to the provision of arms and military assistance to Côte d'Ivoire, and establish the framework for a visa ban and freeze of assets on persons constituting a threat for peace and national reconciliation. They also prohibit imports of rough diamonds from Côte d'Ivoire into the Community.
The decision was taken on 12 February by the EU Council with the renewal of common positions 2004/852/CFSP and 2006/30/CFSP as of 16 December 2006. The decision was needed to give effect to Resolution 1727 (2006) adopted on 15 December 2006 by the United Nations Security Council to extend restrictive measures previously established by the two other resolutions, 1572 (2004) and 1643 (2005). (an)