DFA welcomes resolution of conflict in Ivory Coast

MANILA, Philippines - The Philippines welcomed yesterday the imminent resolution of the conflict in Cote d’Ivoire (Ivory Coast) following the arrest of former President Laurent Gbagbo.

Gbagbo was detained last Monday at his residence in the economic capital of Abidjan after months of political deadlock and armed conflict because of his claim that he won the November presidential run-off.

He had refused to relinquish power to President Alassane Ouattara, the internationally recognized winner.

“On behalf of the Filipino people, the Philippine government extends its solidarity with the Ivorian people during this period of reconciliation and rebuilding,” the Department of Foreign Affairs (DFA) said in a statement.

The Philippine government supports the call of Ouattara for normalcy to return to Ivorian life, and for the creation of a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to try all cases of abuse committed during the post-election violence.

“The Philippine government also expresses its appreciation to the Ivorian authorities and people, the United Nations Operations in Cote d’Ivoire and French Licorne forces for their assistance to the Filipino nationals who were caught up in the conflict,” the DFA said.

Ambassador Youssoufou Joseph Bamba, the permanent representative of Cote d’Ivoire to the United Nations in New York, met with UN General Assembly President Joseph Deiss on Monday to relay a message from Ouattara.

Bamba briefed Deiss on the latest developments following the arrest of Gbagbo. He stressed that Gbagbo and his wife are well protected and would not be harmed.

The permanent representative of Cote d’Ivoire added that the restoration of the rule of law, humanitarian access to and relief for those affected by the conflict as well as justice and reconciliation were at the top of Ouattara’s priorities.

He also stated that the government supports the establishment of an international commission of inquiry regarding human rights abuses that have been committed, no matter which side alleged perpetrators belong to.

He added that human rights, good governance, transparency and accountability will now constitute the guiding principles of the government.

The president of the General Assembly deplored and strongly condemned human rights abuses and attacks against civilians. He underlined the importance of reconciliation and hoped that the international community will assist Cote d’Ivoire as the country now faces the challenge of healing and reconstruction.

The DFA earlier said the six Armed Forces of the Philippines (AFP) officers in Cote d’Ivoire under the United Nations mandate are safe following tensions that erupted after the second round of the 2010 presidential elections.

The DFA said this was confirmed by Lt. Col. George Tagle, one of the six AFP officers stationed there as observers assigned with the UN Operation in Cote d’Ivoire.

Tagle said that he had evacuated from their bunker to a safer area. Three of his fellow UN Filipino observers are in areas controlled by supporters of Ouattara.

The other two officers, who are deployed outside the UN headquarters, are likewise safe.