The Cote d'Ivoire Republican Forces (FRCI), the UN peacekeepers and the French Licorne forces will provide security for the upcoming local elections in the West African country, officials said Wednesday.

A tripartite meeting on the issue was held here Tuesday with the FRCI chief of general staff, general Soumaila Bakayoko, vowing "necessary measures" for voters.

"We shall take necessary measures to ensure that all the forces can effectively participate in the elections," Bakayoko said.

According to him, the constitution of a logistical battalion under the auspices of the International Support Mission for Mali (MISMA) was also part of discussions between the Cote d'Ivoire, UN and French soldiers.

"Cote d'Ivoire has decided to send a logistical battalion. Mali will equally receive other forms of support and we shall harmonize our efforts to support this friendly nation," said the Cote d'Ivoire army chief, who is also the coordinator of the forces from the Economic Community of West African Forces (ECOWAS) engaged in the war against the rebels in northern Mali.

Cote d'Ivoire citizens are waiting to go to the polls on April 21 for both the regional and municipal elections which are very important for the completion of the country's democratic process. Endi

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