DATE=9/18/2000
TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT
TITLE=IVORY COAST SHOOTING (L)
NUMBER=2-266730
BYLINE=LUIS RAMIREZ
DATELINE=ABIDJAN
CONTENT=
VOICED AT:
INTRO: The military ruler of Ivory Coast says he
narrowly survived an assassination attempt by
unidentified gunmen who attacked his home.
Correspondent Luis Ramirez - in the country's
commercial capital, Abidjan - reports gunfire broke
out in the pre-dawn hours.
TEXT: General Robert Guei appeared before reporters,
saying two of his bodyguards were killed in the
attack. He said he had heard rumors earlier that such
an attack would be taking place.
/// ACT GUEI IN FRENCH, ESTABLISH AND FADE ///
General Guei said he called a group of soldiers to
meet with him late Sunday to discuss the threat, just
hours before the assault.
The military leader said he will not speculate on who
was responsible for the attack, but said his
government will use all means necessary to crackdown
on violence and ensure the security of the public,
including foreigners in Ivory Coast.
/// OPT /// Officials say a number of people have
been detained in connection with the pre-dawn attack.
Ivorian television shows at lest one of them being
beaten by the military. /// END OPT ///
The assault brought the normally busy commercial
capital to a halt with public transportation disrupted
and businesses, embassies, and schools closed.
The attack came amid mounting tension before elections
scheduled for next month. The elections are part of a
plan to restore civilian rule that was suspended by a
military coup last December.
In his remarks, General Guei said the elections will
be held October 22nd.
Earlier, he had announced that he would run in those
elections. The United States and other members of the
international community have urged him not to run.
(SIGNED)
NEB/LR/GE/RAE
18-Sep-2000 11:03 AM EDT (18-Sep-2000 1503 UTC)
NNNN
Source: Voice of America
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