France has signed an agreement with Ivory Coast to provide security assistance after helping the former French colony during the country's post election violence.

President Nicolas Sarkozy and Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara signed the deal Thursday in Paris, as the Ivorian leader began a three day official visit.

The pact calls for French troops to provide training for Ivorian forces, without intervening in Ivorian affairs.

French troops helped to oust ex President Laurent Gbagbo when he refused to leave office after losing the election.

Gbagbo is awaiting trial in the Netherlands on crimes charges linked to the post election violence, which left more than 3,000 people dead.

Human rights groups say Mr. Ouattara's forces should also be held accountable for attacking supporters of Gbagbo.