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The Elders

Three members of The Elders will travel to Abidjan this weekend to encourage healing and dialogue on national reconciliation.

The Elders' delegation will be led by former UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan. He will be joined by Chair of The Elders, Archbishop Desmond Tutu of South Africa, and former President of Ireland Mary Robinson.

The Elders will meet President Alassane Ouattara, representatives of the new government, leaders of political parties, and members of civil society organisations, as well as representatives of UN and other organisations and the diplomatic community in Abidjan.

Kofi Annan said:*"Although a political handover has finally taken place and the election results implemented, the situation is still fragile. Ivorians have suffered terribly as a result of the conflict. Many are still afraid to return to their homes. There is only one Côte d¹Ivoire and the leaders and the people must understand that. The cloak of government must cover all. Ivorians have no option but to reconcile, heal and live together."

Desmond Tutu said: *"Our hearts go out to the people of Côte d'Ivoire. We hope that by meeting and listening to the people and their leaders we can help to encourage a process of healing. Ivorians will have to find their own way to do this, and it will take time. Finding a way to reconciliation requires patience and courage, but I am hopeful that the country and its people will find a way forward together. In South Africa we learned the value of such a process, and we hope that Côte d'Ivoire will deliver safety to all its people, regardless of their origins."

Mary Robinson said:* "It is particularly important that women are heard in this process and that they have a place at the table at all levels of government and society. Successful nations draw on the talents of all their citizens: men and women, diverse ethnicities, a range of skills and knowledge. I urge the people of Côte d'Ivoire to embrace their diversity as the first important step to reconciliation."

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