RAPAPORT… Côte d’Ivoire plans to hold its long-awaited presidential election on November 29, 2009, according to the UN. Secretary-general Ban Ki-moon urged all parties to respect the date and to work together to complete the remaining tasks related to the electoral process. Cote d’Ivoire has been divided since 2002 between the government-held south and the Forces Nouvelles-controlled north.
“Côte d’Ivoire is now at a stage where only two critical processes need to be completed in order to restore normalcy: reunification and elections,” Ban wrote in a report covering the activities of the UN mission in the country. The UN Security Council embargoed diamonds and other items from the country until a free and fair presidential election has been held.
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