Senegal's Wade evokes summit talks to unlock cote d'Ivoire deadlock
Senegal-Regional, Politics, 2/6/2003

President Abdoulaye Wade of Senegal on Wednesday talked of the possible holding of a summit this weekend to discuss the Cote d'Ivoire crisis.

"heads of state will hold a new meeting on Saturday or Sunday with the United Nations Secretary General, the African Union Chairman, the CEDEAQ President and a representative of France," Wade said, adding participants "will try to maintain peace between the government and the rebels."

Cote d'Ivoire is prey to internal disputes between armed rebel groups and the central government of Laurent Gbagbo.

President Ghagbo flew to Accra (Ghana) to meet the head of Economic Community of Eastern African Countries (CEDEAQ).

Ghagbo has not yet expressed his standpoint on the French-brokered Marcoussis deal, rejected by his allies.

The agreement resulted in appointing new Ministers of Defense and of Interior from the "rebels" who control the north parts of the country.

Abiding by the UN resolution 1464, French and CEDEAQ forces were authorized to restore calm and protect civilians after the violent incidents that occurred in Cote d'Ivoire.

This permission will extend on 6 months. Afterwards, the United Nations Security Council will assess the situation and discuss its possible renewal. "Political forces in Cote d'Ivoire will be called to implement Marcoussis deal without delay," said the Security Council.

"The situation is critical. The army chief of staff has suggested the reinforcement of security measures by the military forces present in Cote d'Ivoire," said the spokesperson of the French army.

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