UN chief commended Cote d'Ivoire's political leaders for their commitment to a peace agreement reached last year while calling on the sides to continue their efforts to cement the pact.
In a new report on the West African nation made public Monday, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon welcomed the designation of Nov. 30 for the presidential election, along with the government's adoption of decrees relating to the polls.
"These important developments mark the beginning of the electoral process in earnest," he said, urging the international community to provide the support needed to carry out the polls.
Cote d'Ivoire became divided in 2002 between the government-controlled south and the rebel Forces Nouvelles-held north, but last year's Ouagadougou Agreement paved the way for an end to the conflict and included a provision calling for free and fair elections.
Presidential polls have been delayed several times since 2005 when efforts were first made to launch the polls.
Despite progress in consolidating peace, the Secretary-General warned the country still faces "significant challenges."
He called for the electoral process to be transparent and credible, with the parties doing their utmost to firm up the current "positive political and security climate."
"I am therefore deeply concerned about the funding challenges facing the cantonment process, as well as the very low number of serviceable weapons surrendered to date by cantoned combatants," Ban said.
Ban also expressed concern over the lack of progress in disarming and dismantling militias.
He urged the participation of demobilized combatants in the upcoming elections, and commended the efforts of the UN country team in collaboration with the government in peace building.
The report also recommended that the mandate of the UN mission in Cote d'Ivoire, known as UNOCI, be extended until January 2009.
Source:Xinhua
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