Peacekeeping chief briefs Council on developments in Cote d’Ivoire, SG phones Assad over violence in Syria and more from UN Direct

Cote d’Ivoire: USG Peacekeeping Le Roy briefed the SC this morning in closed consultations regarding developments in Cote d’Ivoire, telling the press afterwards that Gbagbo and his wife are in the Golf Hotel in the custody of Ouattara’s forces.  UN forces are providing protection and security in accordance with their mandate.  UNOCI repelled an attack by pro-Gbagbo forces against Ouattara’s residence over the weekend.

Syria: in a phone conversation over the weekend, the SG told President Assad that he is deeply concerned with reports of violence against protestors, stating that the killing of peaceful protestors is unacceptable and should be investigated.  He added that violence from any side is deplorable.