Ivory Coast foes say weapons pullback going well
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DAOUKRO, Ivory Coast (Reuters) -- Ivory Coast's warring factions said on Tuesday they were satisfied with progress made to withdraw heavy weapons from a central frontline dividing the former French colony.
Rebels and government troops met in the eastern town of Daoukro to review the two-week-old operation, which is seen as a precursor to eventual disarmament and a key step towards ending civil war in the West African nation.
"We are satisfied with the current operation to dismantle checkpoints and collect heavy weapons because the rebels have entirely respected their pledge and so have we," Colonel Philippe Mangou of the Ivorian army said.
"All parties have respected their commitment. We think things are going in the right direction, namely towards peace," said rebel commander Cherif Ousmane.
The meeting was also attended by French and West African peacekeepers who patrol the frontline.
A failed rebel attempt to overthrow President Laurent Gbagbo plunged Ivory Coast into war in September last year. Months of fighting followed as rebels seized the north and west of the country, while troops loyal to Gbagbo held onto the south.
Although the war was formally declared over in July, the world's top cocoa producer is still divided and the peace process has been hobbled by mistrust and mutual recriminations.
However, the withdrawal of heavy weapons marks a step forward in the stop-start process.
Mangou also said the rebels were expected to hand in their light arms from next month.
"January 22 will be the start of the withdrawal of light arms," he said, adding however the date had yet to be formally approved by the government.
Rebel leaders were not immediately available to comment on the date. They have previously said the heavy guns will not be mothballed but moved to other strategic sites.
Under the withdrawal plan, both sides are also only allowed to set up roadblocks at the main entrances to towns.
Colonel Kadio Miezou of the Ivorian army said 128 checkpoints had been dismantled in rebel-held territory, while 12 had been dismantled in areas controlled by the army.
Army and rebel officials are expected to hold further talks between January 7-9, to set a clear timetable for disarmament.
Copyright 2003
Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.
