The Secretary-General met today with H.E. Mr. Daniel Kablan Duncan, Minister for Foreign Affairs of the Republic of Côte d’Ivoire, on the margins of the UN General Assembly in New York.

The Secretary-General expressed his concerns with regard to the recent attacks against national security forces and the opposition. In highlighting the fragility of the situation and the prevalence of internal fractures and tensions, the Secretary-General said that overcoming these divisions will require genuine political will and effort from everyone.

The Secretary-General welcomed the adoption of a national policy for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration, and encouraged its immediate implementation, including with an increased focus on militia and other armed groups that present the most immediate threat.  He stressed that coordination with Liberia in this endeavour will be important.

They also discussed the situation in Mali and Guinea-Bissau, noting that there was a need for all key stakeholders, including regional organizations, to be engaged in the political process. The situation along the border with Ghana was also discussed.