UNOCI SRSG SAYS "NON-POLITICAL" REASONS COULD

UNCLAS USUN NEW YORK 000720

SENSITIVE
SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: PGOV PREL UNSC XY IV
SUBJECT: UNOCI SRSG SAYS "NON-POLITICAL" REASONS COULD
DELAY COTE D'IVOIRE'S ELECTIONS


1. (SBU) SUMMARY. UNOCI SRSG Choi told the Security Council
on July 23 that elections could be delayed for
"non-political" reasons, and that Cote d'Ivoire faced
"formidable obstacles" to hold them on November 29, 2009.
French and Cote d'Ivoire's UN representatives exchanged words
in the public portion of the meeting regarding alleged French
criticism of Ivorian authorities. Ambassador DiCarlo
stressed timely elections were of the utmost importance and
that UNMIL would not be able to support UNOCI after its
planned drawdown which will conclude by May, 2010. France
stressed the need for political will to hold the elections on
time, and the UK asked for the UN's plan in case elections
slip past their scheduled date. France circulated a draft
resolution to extend UNOCI until January 31, 2010, which is
scheduled to be adopted on July 30. END SUMMARY.


2. (SBU) UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) SRSG Choi told
the Security Council in an open session on July 23 that
elections could be delayed for "non-political" technical,
managerial, and planning reasons. Choi suggested a detailed
electoral timeline could be a remedy to these potential
delays.


3. (SBU) Cote d'Ivoire PermRep Djedje delineated an
unofficial electoral timeline and also criticized France for
"unfair and unjustified remarks against the Ivorian
authorities" regarding the electoral timeline. Djedje said
France should have a greater sense of restraint and
responsibility due to the heavy influence and the special
status France has in Cote d'Ivoire. French DPR Lacroix
rebutted this accusation by stating France continued to fully
support the efforts to stabilize Cote d'Ivoire and that it
was unclear as to what remarks were the cause for the Ivorian
complaint.


4. (SBU) During consultations that followed in closed
session, SRSG Choi said Cote d'Ivoire faced "formidable
obstacles" to holding elections by November 29. He was
non-committal when asked his opinion if elections would be
held on schedule. Choi reported there were no serious
financial gaps for the holding of elections. He also said
"disarmament by default" would occur since people with jobs
had no reason for their weapons, and described several UNOCI
programs in place to increase employment.


5. (SBU) Ambassador DiCarlo said the greatest concern was the
possibility of another electoral delay, which would be
disheartening to the Ivorian people. She said the
Secretary-General's report of June 10 on Liberia stated that
once the UN Mission in Liberia (UNMIL) completes its third
drawdown by May 2010, it will be no longer able to provide
contingency support to UNOCI. DiCarlo also expressed concern
regarding the continued reports of violence, especially
against women and children.


6. (SBU) France said that political will could address
technical and other problems, and called for UNOCI to inform
the Council if actors are not fulfilling their commitments to
hold elections as scheduled. The UK requested the UN provide
contingency plans in case the elections do not occur as
scheduled, and requested the Council review progress towards
elections in early September.


7. (SBU) France has circulated a draft resolution extending
UNOCI's mandate until January 31, 2010, and calling for,
inter alia, strict adherence to the November 29, 2009
electoral date. All members voiced support for the draft,
and thanked Burkinabe President Compaore for his role as
Facilitator. The Council is scheduled to adopt the
resolution on July 30, the day before UNOCI's mandate
expires.
RICE