Abidjan - The 19th Battalion of Moroccan contingent (MORBATT) of the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) was awarded the UN medal, Wednesday in Duékoué (west), in recognition of its professionalism and sense of accomplishment in the service of peace, security and national reconciliation in the country.
In a statement on behalf of the Special Representative of the Secretary General of the UN, Aïchatou Mindaoudou, the Acting Commander of UNOCI Force, General Didier Lhote said he was honored to chair the award-giving ceremony which coincides with the celebration of the 58th anniversary of the Royal Armed Forces.
"Present in UNOCI since 2004, the various Moroccan troops have gained, within ten years here in Côte d'Ivoire, confidence and expertise," said Mindaoudou.
"Their professionalism and sense of accomplishment in the service of peace, security and national reconciliation in Côte d'Ivoire," he added.
"Since their arrival last November, the peacekeepers of the 19th Moroccan contingent have confirmed their ability to adapt to all situations with dedication to the ideals of peace and tolerance in all impartiality and respect for human dignity," said the representative of the UN Secretary General.