meeting on Cote d'Ivoire
18 July 2006
South African Foreign Minister Dr Nkosazana Dlamini Zuma will attend the 9th
session of the International Working Group meeting (IWG) on Côte d'Ivoire in
Abidjan on Thursday, 20 July 2006.
Minister Dlamini Zuma's participation in the IWG comes within the context of
South Africa's commitment to support the leadership and people of Côte d'Ivoire
to find a political solution to their current challenges.
This session of the IWG also follows discussions between President Mbeki and
United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan with the leadership of Côte
d'Ivoire on Wednesday, 5 July 2006.
Issues on the agenda of the 9th IWG are expected to include the disarmament
process and preparations for elections scheduled for October 2006.
At the 8th IWG meeting on 23 June 2006, concern was expressed at the delay
in the commencement of the disarmament process. The Group also noted the
limited time left for the implementation of the roadmap and urged all the
role-players to accelerate the programme.
Military dialogue between the two Chiefs of Staff continues to focus on the
reorganisation of the Ivorian army, the creation of an integrated military
headquarters and the upgrading of its ranks.
Prime Minister Banny has also embarked on a sensitisation programme ahead of
the national identification process while the budget for the election process
has been approved. The Independent Electoral Commission has begun to make
preparations for the implementation of programmes i.e. the launch of regional
and local commissions.
Minister Dlamini Zuma is expected to return to South Africa on Sunday, 23
July 2006.
Issued by:
Ronnie Mamoepa
Cell: 082 990 4853
Issued by: Department of Foreign Affairs
18 July 2006
