EU Council conclusions on Côte d'Ivoire

The Council adopted the following conclusions:

"1. Recalling the European Council Conclusions of 17 December 2010 and the Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions of 13 December 2010, the EU reaffirms its commitment to peace and democracy in Côte d'Ivoire and to respect the sovereign will of the Ivorian people expressed by its decision to elect Alassane Ouattara as President, an outcome subsequently certified by the UN. The EU calls on all civilian and military actors to recognise the authority of the democratically elected President and his Government and reiterates that it will only consider legitimate those institutions and bodies who place themselves under his authority.

2. The EU strongly condemns the violence against the civilian population, including violations of human rights, and recalls that those who perpetrate such violations will be held responsible for their acts.

3. The EU commends and supports the firm and united stance of its African partners, ECOWAS, WAEMU and the AU, in their efforts to support a peaceful hand over of power to President, Alassane Ouattara, and his government. In this respect, the EU welcomes the unequivocal stand adopted by Heads of State and Government of these organisations.

4. The EU reaffirms its full support to the UN in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), in particular its peace keeping mission and its mandate to protect civilians, President Ouattara and his Government. The EU calls for the immediate lifting of the blockade of the Hôtel du Golf. The EU welcomes the unanimous adoption of UN Security Council Resolution 1967 reinforcing UNOCI. The EU strongly condemns attacks against UNOCI, demands an immediate stop to the broadcasting of messages inciting violence and calls on the full respect of the UNOCI mandate.

5. Since December 2010, the Council has adopted a number of decisions imposing and broadening the application of targeted restrictive measures, comprising a visa ban and asset freeze. These measures are targeted against persons and entities who specifically oppose the legitimate President's authority, obstruct the hand over of power, and finance former president Gbagbo. The EU will regularly examine the restrictive measures so as to ensure their effectiveness and leverage, including the possible increase of their scope. The EU promotes the adoption of similar measures by other major international partners including multilateral and regional organizations.

6. The EU will continue to provide support and humanitarian aid to the most vulnerable people of Côte d'Ivoire, in particular to internally displaced people and refugees that have fled to neighbouring countries.

7. The EU reaffirms its commitment to promote respect for democracy and rule of law in Côte d'Ivoire and stands ready to enhance its support to the people of Côte d'Ivoire and its legitimate authorities."

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• Statement by EU HR Ashton on the situation in Cote d'Ivoire  (11/4/2011)
• Côte d'Ivoire: EU Parliament deplores violence and calls for peaceful transition  (7/4/2011)
• Côte d'Ivoire: EU imposes additional sanctions in view of the gravity of the situation (6/4/2011)
• Growing humanitarian crisis in Côte d'Ivoire: Statement by EU Commissioner Georgieva (4/4/2011)
• Statement by EU HR Ashton on the situation in Cote d'Ivoire (1/4/2011)
• Major increase in EU Commission funding for victims of Côte d'Ivoire crisis  (17/3/2011)
• Statement by EU HR Ashton on Ivory Coast (12/3/2011)
• Statement by EU HR Ashton on Côte d'Ivoire (3/3/2011)
• EU HR Ashton addresses UN Security Council on Cooperation between the UN and regional and subregional organizations (8/2/2011)
• EU Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions on Egypt, Tunisia, Belarus, and more (31/1/2011)
• Cote d'Ivoire: EU Council adopts visa ban list (22/12/2010)
• EU Foreign Affairs Council Conclusions on the Middle East, Cote d'Ivoire, Sudan, and more (14/12/2010)
• EU Council conclusions on Côte d'Ivoire (13/12/2010)
• L'UE soutient le secteur sucrier en Côte d'Ivoire  (19/11/2010)
• Côte d'Ivoire: Déclaration de la HR / VP Ashton sur les élections (2/11/2010)