UN - COTE D'IVOIRE - COMMENTS FOR INFORMAL

UNCLAS STATE 014945 SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PREL UNSC IV SUBJECT: UN - COTE D'IVOIRE - COMMENTS FOR INFORMAL MEETING OF 1572 COMMITTEE - FRIDAY, 2/19/2010 ¶1. This is an action request. USUN is requested to draw from Para (3) points during the informal meeting on Friday, February 19, 2010 to be held under the auspices of the Chair of the committee established pursuant to resolution 1572 (2004) concerning Cote D'Ivoire. The Cote d,Ivoire Group of Experts (GoE) reports that the Cote d,Ivoire government has restricted GoE and UNOCI weapons inspections so that important sites have not been visited or have been visited only with two week advance notification. These instructions support the GoE,s reclama to the 1572 committee. UNOCI will not press the issue unless instructed by the UN Department of Peacekeeping Operations. -------------- STRATEGIC OBJECTIVE -------------- ¶2. To support effective arms inspections and push back on Government of Cote D'Ivoire assertions and actions restricting access to particular sites. ¶3. Begin Text of talking points. The USG: -- Fully supports the Group of Experts in its right to conduct searches as outlined in UNSCR 1584 and other relevant UNSCRs; -- Fully supports the GoE and UNOCI ending prior notifications of embargo inspections so that such inspections can proceed in accordance with resolution 1895; -- Suggests that the Chair engage with the Perm Rep of the Government of Cote D'Ivoire to insure that he understands the rights of the Group of Experts and UNOCI; -- Suggests that the Chair write the Government of Cote d'Ivoire urging their compliance with all relevant UNSCRs; -- And requests that the Chair engage with appropriate officials in the Department of Peacekeeping Operations regarding a change in the prior notification procedure. End Text. CLINTON