Côte d'Ivoire: UN chief attends inauguration of President Alassane Ouattara

Secretary General Ban Ki-moon today attended the inauguration of Côte d'Ivoire's President Alassane Ouattara in the country's political capital, Yamoussoukro, during which the new leader reiterated his commitment to promoting reconciliation, dialogue and peace following the recent post-election violence.

Côte d'Ivoire's political crisis ended when former president Laurent Gbagbo finally surrendered in mid-April, ending months of violence that erupted in the wake of his refusal to step down after he lost the United Nations-certified presidential run-off election in November last year to Mr. Ouattara.

The Secretary-General met with Mr. Ouattara who expressed his gratitude to the world for showing solidarity with Ivorians and helping democracy triumph, according to a press release issued by the UN peacekeeping mission in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI).

Mr. Ouattara paid special tribute to the United Nations for remaining engaged in his country and helping restore democracy and contributing to the establishment of lasting peace.

Mr. Ban was accompanied by the UN Under-Secretary-General for Peacekeeping Operations Alain Le Roy and his Special Representative in the country Y. J. Choi.

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