Gbagbo ‘agrees Ivory Coast talks’

Mr Ouattara is holed up in a hotel in Abidjan

Ivory Coast’s Laurent Gbagbo has agreed to negotiate a “peaceful end” to his country’s crisis without preconditions, regional leaders say.

The chairman of the Ecowas regional group said Mr Gbagbo had also agreed to immediately lift the blockade around the temporary headquarters of his presidential rival Alassane Ouattara.

The UN regards Mr Ouattara the winner of November elections but Mr Gbagbo, the incumbent, refused to cede power.

Ecowas has threatened to force him out.

The BBC’s John James in Ivory Coast’s business capital, Abidjan, says it is important not to over-emphasise the importance of Mr Gbagbo’s statement.

Mr Gbagbo has given no indication he is willing to step down, our correspondent says.

Mr Ouattara, who is holed up in a hotel protected by UN peacekeepers, has said he is willing to talk, as long as the internationally agreed election results are accepted by Mr Gbagbo.

The chairman of the Ecowas Commission, James Victor-Gbeho, said after an extraordinary session of members in Abuja, Nigeria: “Laurent Gbagbo agreed to negotiate a peaceful end to the crisis without any preconditions.

“He also pledged to immediately lift the blockade around Hotel du Golf, the temporary headquarters of Mr Alassane Ouattara, the president-elect.

“On his part, Mr Alassane Ouattara indicated his willingness to ensure a dignified exit for Mr Gbagbo provided the latter accepted the outcome of the presidential election as declared by the independent electoral commission and certified by the United Nations.”

The statement followed a visit to Ivory Coast by Presidents Boni Yayi of Benin, Pedro Pires of Cape Verde and Ernest Bai Koroma of Sierra Leone – representing Ecowas (Economic Community of West African States)

It was their second trip to Abidjan in less that a week. On Monday they were joined by Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, representing the African Union (AU).

President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria had earlier described the situation as a “stalemate”, adding: “Don’t expect that if there’s a major crisis in a country that we just jump in… and the matter is resolved.”

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