Obama signs order to lift U.S. sanctions on Cote d'Ivoire

U.S. President Barack Obama signed on Wednesday an executive order that terminates the national emergency declared with respect to Cote d'Ivoire and lifts the economic sanctions on the African country.

Obama determined that Cote d'Ivoire's political and economic advances represent "significant improvements" since former U.S. President George W. Bush declared the national emergency in 2006, State Department spokesperson Mark Toner said in a statement.

Obama's action highlights the "great progress" that Cote d'Ivoire has made since the crisis in 2010-11, Toner said, adding that the United States is "optimistic" about the prospects for lasting peace and inclusive prosperity in the African country.

In a separate statement, Ned Price, spokesperson for the National Security Council, said challenges remain as Cote d'Ivoire continues to "tackle difficult land reform issues and works to ensure that the benefits of economic growth are felt throughout the Ivoirian population." Enditem