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Russia condemns attack on UN peacekeepers in Cote d'Ivoire

This is the first attack on UNOCI peacekeepers since the end of the military-political crisis in the country in 2011

MOSCOW, June 9 (Itar-Tass) —— Russia condemns in the strongest possible terms an attack on U.N. peacekeepers in Cote d'Ivoire and expressed condolences to their families.

“On June 8, United Nations Operation in Cote d'Ivoire (UNOCI) peacekeeping troops that patrol the outskirts of the town of Tai on the border with Liberia came under attack in the southwest of Cote d'Ivoire,” the Foreign Ministry said on Saturday, June 9.

“As a result of the attack, seven Nigerian U.N. peacekeepers were killed,” it said.

This is the first attack on UNOCI peacekeepers since the end of the military-political crisis in the country in 2011.

“The incident shows again how unstable the situation in Cote d'Ivoire is, including in the field of security. Power-wielding agencies have been unable so far to cope with armed groups operating in different regions of the country and are particularly active on the border with Liberia,” the ministry said.

“As has been noted on the basis of the U.N. Security Council mission to West Africa, the situation in Cote d'Ivoire remains fragile and is fraught with new outbreaks of violence,” the ministry said.

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