LILLE, France, Oct 27 (AFP) - Prime Minister Lionel Jospin said Friday it
was up to the people of the Ivory Coast to decide on whether to hold a new
presidential election, refusing to join in widespread calls for a new poll.
   It is "up to the Ivorians to decide" if they want a new presidential
election," said Jospin, while on visit in the northern city of Lille.
   But he warned there remained the danger "of ending up in a situation
without any authority" if the result of the presidential vote was not
respected.
   France has stood alone so far in refusing to add its voice to
international
calls for once-stable Ivory Coast to hold a replay of the controversial poll
that was aimed at restoring democratic rule.
   Opposition leader and former prime minister Alassane Ouattara -- barred
from the vote Sunday -- was meeting Friday with new President Laurent Gbagdo
to try to restore calm after street battles between their rival camps left
scores dead.
   jlb/db/ns/ml

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