|
SLUG: 2-299156 Ivory Coast (S)
DATE: NOTE NUMBER: |
||
DATE=2/3/03 TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT TITLE=IVORY COAST-UNREST (S) NUMBER=2-299156 BYLINE=LUIS RAMIREZ DATELINE=ABIDJAN CONTENT= VOICED AT: INTRO: A deal to end Ivory Coast's rebel war appears closer to collapse, as thousands of women marched in Abidjan calling for President Laurent Gbagbo to reject the French-mediated agreement. V-O-A's Luis Ramirez reports from Abidjan. TEXT: The women chanted anti-French slogans as they marched into central Abidjan and surrounded the French Embassy. The demonstrators accuse France of mediating a deal that favors rebels by giving them key positions in the government, a prospect that has drawn objections from Ivory Coast's army and most political parties. Tensions remained high in Abidjan after government opponents staged a brief, but violent, demonstration Sunday over the killing of a television celebrity who was a known opposition supporter. Rebels with the main northern-based Patriotic Movement of Ivory Coast, warn they may renew their attacks if the accord is not implemented. (SIGNED) NEB/LR/AWP/RAE |
||
