In a message dated 12/27/99 6:51:34 AM Central Standard Time,
[log in to unmask] writes:
CoteIvoire-politics,2ndlead
New Ivorian government expected for next week: junta chief
ATTENTION - ADDS quotes ///
ABIDJAN, Dec 27 (AFP) - Cote d'Ivoire's new military leader, General Robert
Guei, announced Monday that a government would be formed next week, and
urged political parties to come up with their list of candidate ministers.
Four cabinet portfolios, however, would be reserved for officials of the
current junta, said Guei, a former defence chief of staff who was brought to
power by army mutineers as they toppled president Henri Konan Bedie on
Friday.
Guei, who had been sacked by Bedie in 1996 in connection with an alleged
coup plot, himself planned to head the defense ministry, while senior
officers would also control security, foreign affairs and the interior
ministries.
However, the general added, "It's better that the military
stops here."
Guei was speaking during a morning of talks with members of
political
parties.
"I am asking others to think about filling the gap within the next 48
hours," said Guei, now in charge of a National Committee of Public
Salvation, the 10-member junta formed after the seizure of power.
After the coup, which won widespread public support after initial panic and
surprise, the general spoke in broadcasts of opening up the political arena
in a country which has seen four decades of rule by the Cote d'Ivoire
Democratic Party (PDCI).
Bedie, who was under French security following the coup, fled Abidjan for
Lome by French helicopter on Sunday. While France, the United States and
some African countries condemned the coup, nobody lifted a finger to help
Bedie, apart from Paris's move to evacuate him, his family and close aides.
The fallen leader left for Abuja for visit on Monday, Togolese officials
said.
so/jlr/nb
>>
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