Gbagbo Backs Down, Agrees To Peaceful End

Gbagbo Backs Down, Agrees To Peaceful End

Cote dÍvoire's Laurent Gbagbo has agreed to negotiate a peaceful end to the country's political impasse without any pre-condition.

He has also pledged to immediately lift the siege on the temporary headquarters of the acclaimed winner of the November 28 polls, Alassane Ouattara.

The ECOWAS-AU mission to Cote dÍvoire gave these indications after its meeting in Abuja, Nigeria's capital, saying these were the outcome of discussions with both parties.

ECOWAS Commission spokesman, James Victor Gbeho, in a communiqué issued after the mission's meeting, held on Tuesday, in Abuja, Nigeria's capital, stated that Mr. Ouattara on his part, has indicated willingness to ensure a dignified exit for Mr. Gbagbo.

He however, hinges this assurance on the condition that Mr. Gbagbo accepts the outcome of the November polls as declared by Cote dÍvoire election commission and as certified by the United Nations.

The joint ECOWAS-AU mission said the report of its latest discussions would be presented to Nigeria's president Goodluck Jonathan, who is also the ECOWAS Chairman.

The communiqué said the report is also for the consideration of the authority of ECOWAS.

It also said an emergency meeting of the African Union would be convened soon, based on the latest outcome of the discussions on Coted Ivoire.

Regional leaders of ECOWAS, the Presidents of Benin, Cape Verde and Sierra Leone, were also in Abuja on Tuesday, to report the outcome of their meeting with Cote d'Ivoire's Laurent Gbagbo, to Nigeria's President Goodluck Jonathan.

The leaders briefed President Jonathan, as the ECOWAS Chairman.

They were joined in Abidjan, on Monday by an African Union representative, Kenyan Prime Minister Raila Odinga, to persuade Laurent Gbagbo step down in the face of the country's political impasse.

COV/Ngozi/ Yinka