DATE=12/28/1999
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=IVORY COAST (L)
NUMBER=2-257567
BYLINE=SCOTT BOBB
DATELINE=ABIDJAN
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: Ivory Coast's new ruler, Robert Guei, has met
with foreign diplomats in an effort to build support
in the face of widespread foreign criticism of the
coup that brought him to power last week and ended
nearly four decades of civilian rule. V-O-A
Correspondent Scott Bobb reports from Abidjan that
General Guei also plans to hold meetings with
provincial leaders and senior administration
officials, as life begins to return to normal in the
West African nation.
TEXT: The new Ivorian leader Tuesday sought to
reassure foreign governments, telling their
ambassadors that his government will respect human
rights and will restore democratic civilian rule as
soon as possible.
/// GUEI ACT IN FRENCH, FADE UNDER ///
General Guei said he has told civilian politicians to
present their candidates for ministerial posts within
48 hours, so that he may quickly form a broad based
government. And he asked for their help in
rehabilitating the country.
General Guei told the political parties Monday to
present candidates who will work for the country after
years of mismanagement. He pledged the military will
return to the barracks, although he did not give a
date.
/// GUEI ACT IN FRENCH, FADE UNDER ///
General Guei said when the military is assured the
government is in order and the politicians - in his
words - can dance without slipping, then he said the
military will withdraw after organizing free and fair
elections.
The Ivorian leader's meetings come amid widespread
criticism of the coup. Nigeria and South Africa have
been particularly critical, while multilateral
financial institutions have threatened to suspend
financial aid. General Guei said the coup was
necessary because dialogue and negotiations had
failed.
Military officers staged the coup last Friday
following a mutiny by non-commissioned soldiers over
unpaid salaries and poor living conditions. The coup
also occurred amid widespread dissatisfaction with the
government of deposed president Henri Konan Bedie.
Many Ivorians blame the Bedie government for falling
living standards, and accuse it of seeking to stay in
power by rigging elections due next year.
No casualties were reported, but many shops and
businesses were looted during the unrest, and the
government ground to a halt. The violence died down
after General Guei ordered looters be shot on sight
and imposed a dusk-to-dawn curfew.
The curfew has since been lifted, and life is
returning to normal. Government offices have
reopened, although the ministers have all been fired.
Streets around the radio and television stations,
which were targeted during the coup, remain closed and
heavily guarded. But the airport has resumed
operations and most banks and stores have reopened for
business. (SIGNED)
NEB/SB/GE/JP
28-Dec-1999 12:12 PM EDT (28-Dec-1999 1712 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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