UN officials discuss security with rebels in Côte d'Ivoire

Two senior officials in the United Nations peacekeeping mission in Côte d'Ivoire held talks today with the rebel Forces Nouvelles on restoring its participation in the transitional coalition government and on security issues.

Acting Special Representative Alan Doss and Force Commander Abdoulaye Fall of the UN Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) went to the northern rebel stronghold of Bouaké for discussions with Forces Nouvelles leaders.

The talks would continue in an effort to persuade Forces Nouvelles ministers to return to cabinet meetings and to facilitate the disarmament process in Cote d'Ivoire.

With the Special Representative of the Secretary-General Albert Tévoédjrè having resigned from UNOCI effective Monday, Mr. Doss is acting mission chief.

Both the Government and the armed opposition have been given the new task of listing their weapons within the next six weeks or so. By a unanimous vote yesterday, the Security Council approved a resolution giving them a deadline to make "a comprehensive list of armaments in the possession of these armed forces and in possession of paramilitary troops and militias associated with them, as well as their location."