Russ Feingold: “I express my concerns about the troubling situation in Cote d'Ivoire. As my colleagues know, in September 2002…”

“I express my concerns about the troubling situation in Cote d'Ivoire. As my colleagues know, in September 2002, rebellion broke out in Cote d'Ivoire, eventually dividing the country between the north, where rebels known as the Force Nouvelle established themselves, and the south, where President Laurent Gbagbo's government continued to exercise its authority. The Economic Community of West African states, or ECOWAS, helped to negotiate a ceasefire, and in January 2003 international efforts to mediate the crisis culminated in the signing of the Linas-Marcoussis Agreement of early 2003, which provided for an interim Government of National Reconciliation to move the country toward new elections. The United Nations established a peacekeeping mission and over 6,000 troops from around the world deployed to monitor the ceasefire and help the parties implement the peace accord--further evidence of international will to help the people of Cote d'Ivoire regain a stable footing and reestablish a just and peaceful unified government. Throughout these diplomatic efforts, 4,000 French soldiers have served as the backbone of the international presence that has worked to guarantee the peace.”