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South African Broadcasting Corporation Copyright ©
2000 - 2005 SABC |
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November 17, 2004, 14:45
The African Union (AU) has called today for an urgent meeting of its 15-nation Peace and Security Council to draw up a plan to stop Ivory Coast, the world's biggest cocoa producer, sliding into full-scale war.
African leaders have expressed fears that renewed conflict between the Ivory Coast government and rebels would destabilise West Africa, a region which includes fragile post-conflict states such as Liberia and Sierra Leone. "The Council supports the early convening of a meeting of the Peace and Security Council (PSC) at the level of heads of state and government to review developments in Ivory Coast and agree on steps to be taken to contribute to the restoration of lasting peace and security," it said in a statement.
The council, whose aim is to promote peace, security and stability in Africa, is chaired by South Africa. President Thabo Mbeki has been trying to negotiate an end to the violence that erupted earlier this month when the army attacked the rebel-held north, breaking a fragile 18-month ceasefire.
"The Council reiterates its grave concern at the prevailing situation in Ivory Coast as well as the conviction that the crisis in that country can only be resolved through peaceful and political means." - Reuters
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| RELATED STORIES | | Ivory Coast leader says he wants reunification (November 17, 2004, 05:00) | | UN backs arms embargo on the Ivory Coast (November 16, 2004, 18:00) | | Ivory Coast rebels sound warning as embargo looms (November 16, 2004, 04:00) | | SA to host Ivory Coast rebel, plans summit (November 15, 2004, 21:30) | | SA supports arms embargo against Ivory Coast (November 15, 2004, 15:30) | | Gbagbo stays tough as Ivory Coast summit starts (November 14, 2004, 19:45) |
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