The preamble of the resolution welcomed efforts by the African Union in supporting the peace and reconciliation process in Côte d'Ivoire, including those of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and French forces. It noted requests by the President of Côte d'Ivoire Laurent Gbagbo and ECOWAS to transform the United Nations Mission in Côte d'Ivoire (MINUCI) into a peacekeeping mission. Lasting stability in the country would depend on peace in the subregion according to the Council, particularly in Liberia.