Monday, 13 November, 2000, 15:36 GMT
              Guei comes out of hiding

              General Guei fled after violent protests last month
              The former military leader of Ivory Coast,
              Robert Guei, has emerged from hiding after
              fleeing a popular uprising following elections
              last month.

              Speaking after a surprise meeting with
              President Laurent Gbagbo in the capital,
              Yamoussoukro, General Guei called on all
              soldiers to return to barracks.

              He also said he
              recognised Mr Gbabgo
              as president and was
              going to return to his
              home village in the west
              of the country,
              Kabacouma.

              After the meeting Mr Gbagbo reiterated his
              belief in healing the country's divisions.

              "What is important is that the country starts a
              process of reconciliation," he said.

              He was not to be drawn on any possible legal
              proceedings against General Guei.

              "I am not a policeman, nor a magistrate. I am
              happy with his declaration," he said.

              Some members of the general's presidential
              guard have not returned to barracks since the
              violence with which his regime tried to quash
              protest.

              General Guei took power after a coup last
              December.

              He claimed victory in
              the elections last
              month, but was forced
              to flee when Mr
              Gbagbo's supporters
              took to the streets in
              protest.

              During three days of
              violence tens of
              thousands of unarmed
              pro-democracy
              supporters were fired
              upon by soldiers loyal
              to the military regime as it tried,
              unsuccessfully to hang on to power.

              After General Guei had fled, the unrest then
              degenerated into battles between Mr Gbagbo's
              supporters and followers of Mr Ouattara.

              According to official figures, 171 people were
              killed in the violence.
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