Ceremony raises hopes for Ivory Coast peace
Until recently the north of the Ivory Coast has been in rebel hands
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Monday, 30, Jul 2007 06:15
Ivory Coast's president has joined with rebel leaders in a symbolic peace ceremony, marking what is hoped will be the end of five years of conflict in the west African state.
President Laurent Gbabgo journeyed to the town of Bouake in the north of the country for the first time since the area came under rebel control in a 2002 uprising.
He and new prime minister Guillaume Soro lit a flame of peace, burning a stockpile of weapons in the town's football stadium to mark the beginning of what is hoped will be a peaceful new era for the country.
A number of other African statemen from countries like Niger, Mali and Togo, as well as South African president Thabo Mbeki, attended the event.
Mr Soro, former rebel leader, reached an agreement with President Gbabgo in March this year.
Since then UN and French peacekeepers patrolling a buffer zone between the two areas has slowly been dismantled, bringing hope that the nation can resolve the trauma of its recent civil war.
Security forces from both sides maintained order around the football stadium, but commentators are doubtful that the attempt at a wider peace will be completely successful.
Mr Soro was subjected to what he called an assassination attempt on June 29th when rockets were fired at a passenger aircraft he was travelling in.
One of a number of splinter rebel groups who have yet to lay down their arms is believed to be responsible.