Military

DATE=11/09/00

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IVORY COAST (L-ONLY)

NUMBER=2-269040

BYLINE=LUIS RAMIREZ

DATELINE=ABIDJAN

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Ivory Coast today/Thursday marks a national day of mourning following the bloodiest clashes in its history. V-O-A's Luis Ramirez reports from the West African country's commercial capital, Abidjan, that political and ethnic divisions continue despite calls for reconciliation.

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The day was marked with an elaborate but somber stadium ceremony featuring a military band and a speech by Ivory Coast's new civilian president, Laurent Gbagbo. A symbolic flag-draped casket was placed in the center of the stadium. Among those paying homage were President Gbagbo, military officers, and soldiers.

It was just over two weeks ago that members of the same military attacked demonstrators who took to the streets after then ruler General Robert Guei tried to declare himself the winner of the October 22nd presidential elections despite a victory by Laurent Gbagbo.

The demonstrations forced General Guei to flee. Soon after his departure, new riots broke out, pitting Christian supporters of Laurent Gbagbo against the mostly Muslim followers of opposition leader Alassane Ouattara, who were angry that he, along with 13 other would-be candidates, had been barred from taking part in the elections. Mr. Ouattara was excluded from the race because of doubts over his nationality.

Official tallies put the number of dead at more than 100 from three days of violence throughout Ivory Coast.

Thirty-eight-year-old Magloire Ahipeau of Abidjan was among the thousands attending the memorial ceremony Thursday.

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He says, "I lost some friends in the march of the 24th (of October). And it is thanks to them that today we have [democracy)." He says, "It is they who have brought democracy. That is why I am here."

Despite the return to civilian rule, not all are convinced that Ivory Coast's democracy is complete. The United States and other members of the international community have called for new elections in which more candidates would be allowed to participate.

In his speech Thursday, President Gbagbo called for national reconciliation but said there will be no new elections.

The government last week declared November 9th a national day of mourning as part of a general effort to promote reconciliation among political factions, religious groups and security forces.

At the memorial ceremony Thursday, some people heckled Alassane Ouattara as he entered the stadium. They chanted, calling him a foreigner.

Ouattara supporters plan to hold a separate memorial service on Saturday.

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As part of its plan for reconciliation, the Gbagbo government has promised there will be no crackdown on those who collaborated with the military leadership under General Robert Guei.

The government on Wednesday arrested two generals (Lassana Palenfo and Abdoulaye Coulibaly) who were accused of plotting an assassination attempt against General Guei in September. Officials say the two are under orders to appear before a military court according to a previous but standing warrant. (SIGNED)

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