The Dutch Foreign Ministry said the French government had requested Dutch naval support "for the coordinating role that France is playing in ensuring the safety of EU nationals during the current unrest in Ivory Coast."
It added in a statement that the supply ship Amsterdam would be deployed for a brief transitional period, during which its primary function would be to provide supplies.
"Due to the tense situation in Ivory Coast, a number of preparations are being made to guarantee the safety of EU nationals now present in the country," the Dutch statement said.
At least 173 people have been killed following the November 28 election, the U.N. said on Thursday, as its human rights body unanimously condemned the political violence and called for reconciliation to avoid a renewed civil war.
The Dutch ship was sailing to the Netherlands from the Gulf of Aden where it had served in anti-piracy operations off the coast of Somalia when the French requested its help.
The ship, a fast combat support ship with a crew of 172, would pick up supplies in Spain and Senegal and should be in position at the start of January.
It is expected to return to the Netherlands in the second half of next month.
French Armed Forces spokesman Nicolas Engelbach said that the logistical support requested of the Dutch ship was for a French vessel in the Gulf of Guinea and that it was not directly related to the situation in Ivory Coast.
"We have had a mission for several years with the presence of a ship in the Gulf of Guinea and our ships can seek logistical help from other vessels," he said. "This time we have asked for help from the Dutch ship."
Asked if the presence of the French vessel in the Gulf of Guinea was related to the situation in Ivory Coast he said: "No link".
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