I Coast talks with Mbeki 'fruitful'

2005-08-20 21:41

Pretoria - The leader of Ivory Coast rebels said he had held "fruitful" discussions here on Saturday with President Thabo Mbeki, who sought to resolve a crisis of confidence over his role as mediator in the divided country's conflict.

"The discussions were interesting, serious and fruitful," said Guillaume Soro, leader of the rebel New Forces (FN), which have controlled the north of Ivory Coast since a failed attempt to topple President Laurent Gbagbo in 2002.

Mbeki issued no statement after the talks in the South African capital.

The rebels had recently criticized Mbeki, appointed as mediator by the African Union, for backing controversial decrees issued by Gbagbo last month including some related to the upcoming election process and identification of voters.

Mbeki had said the decrees were in accordance with the Pretoria peace agreement he had hammered out in June with all factions in Ivory Coast.

After the meeting, Soro also said Mbeki recognised that Ivory Coast was "in a sensitive period and that we are heading toward a general election" set for October 30, while calling for the South African mediation to continue to work to resolve any differences over Ivorian laws.

The lack of trust between the opposing sides in Africa's top cocoa-producer has raised fears that the elections will not take place, leaving the country in a political limbo as Gbagbo's term ends.

- AFP