EU throws support behind Ivorian election

BRUSSELS, Nov. 23 (UPI) -- The European government welcomed Ivorian President Alassane Ouattara to Brussels with a $167 million promise of financial assistance ahead of elections.

Ivorians next month head to the polls to pick a new legislative assembly. The elections are the first since last year's presidential contest pushed the country to the brink of civil war.

European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso welcomed Ouattara to Brussels for the Ivorian leader's first visit with the European government. Both sides during the visit signed off on a $167 million financial aid package to support the country's health sector, training programs, civil society and governance.

The commission noted the aid package represented Europe's support for the upcoming election and long-term recovery in Ivory Coast.

Ivory Coast is recovering from a political stalemate following conflict that followed November elections meant to unite a country divided by civil war in 2003. Hundreds were killed in thousands were displaced during the violence.

The United Nations in a report on Ivory Coast said reconciliation is but one of the problems facing the West African country.

Rights groups accuse both sides of committing atrocities during the political conflict.