Cote D'ivoire Arms Embargo Eased

Cote D'ivoire Arms Embargo Eased

An international arms embargo imposed on Cote D'ivoire by the United Nations has been temporarily eased to allow it import anti-riot gear for its October 31 elections.

Army Chief of Staff, General Philippe Mangou said the embargo was eased on the government's request, with backing from the French government.

''We called for the embargo to be eased, and with the recent visit of (French President Sarkozy's chief of staff Claude Gueant) we have been able to obtain this easing,'' Mangou said on Sunday.

''We are doing what is required to be well-equipped and we believe we will have the material needed very soon to secure the elections,'' he added.

Peaceful elections

Mangou said security preparations for the vote were in place, with 4,000 government troops and 4,000 former rebel soldiers from the north joining to keep the peace.

''We have taken all measures to ensure the elections are peaceful and we have a plan of action in place,'' he said.

The UN imposed the embargo, forbidding the import of weapons including tear gas grenades on the world's top cocoa grower in 2004, after the government broke a peace accord meant to end a civil war.

Reuters/AyoKoya/Yinka