Cote d’Ivoire: Diplomatic Bid to End Crisis Intensifies

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A UNOCI Military observer handing out posters
and information pamphlets citing the dangers of
unexploded ordnances at an event organized by UNOCI
to celebrate UN Day.

“As hate media in Cote d’Ivoire broadcast messages inciting attacks against United Nations peacekeepers, diplomatic efforts to defuse the crisis are intensifying, a spokesman for the world body said today.

“Violence continues in a number of locations, including Abidjan and Guiglo,” Stephane Dujarric told reporters in New York. He added that the situation has calmed somewhat in San Pedro and Daloa, but last night Bangladeshi Battalion elements in Guiglo were forced to open fire to repel attackers trying to overrun the UN compound.

“A number of attackers were killed and others wounded. UN forces are exercising maximum restraint in dealing with these attacks. Non-lethal methods are being used to disburse crowds and deter attacks,” he stressed.” [Read more]