afrol News, 30 October - The UN security Council has extended the arms and diamond embargo on Ivory Coast for another year until 31 October 2010. The ban also extends travel restrictions targeting Ivorian political figures and a freeze on their foreign assets.

The UN arms embargo was imposed in 2004 over violations of a 2003 cease-fire between the government and the rebels.

The 15-member council unanimously renewed the sanctions and diamond trade ban, saying it would review the measures three months after open, free, fair and transparent presidential elections.

The West African nation was split into a rebel-controlled north by the Force Nouvelles and government-controlled south after an attempted coup sparked civil war in 2002 and a peace deal was signed in 2007.

Long-delayed presidential elections have been scheduled for 29 November, but election officials have said another delay is likely because of problems preparing for the vote.

Over 6.5 million Ivorians have been identified and registered ahead of the polls, originally scheduled for as far back as 2005.

Earlier this week, a UN report said the rebel-held north by the Force Nouvelles and the government-controlled south are stocking up on weapons ahead of the national polls.

The Ivory Coast election is intended to seal a March 2007 peace agreement between Gbagbo and the northern rebels. Peacekeepers from the United Nations and former colonial master France are backing the election process.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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