Several of Africa's most powerful leaders have arrived in Ivory Coast for
talks with the Ivorian military leader, General Robert Guei, on the
political crisis there.
The delegation - which includes the presidents of Nigeria, Algeria and South
Africa - is headed by President Eyadema of Togo, the current chair of the
Organisation of African Unity (OAU).



President Mbeki (left) condemned the coup which brought General Guei (right)
to power

Sources at the talks told the BBC delegates are discussing the possibility
of postponing presidential elections, due next month, and holding
parliamentary elections first.

General Guei seized power after a military coup last December, and is
attempting to stop the main opposition leader, Alassane Ouattarra, from
standing in the elections on the grounds that he is not an Ivorian citizen.

Regional fears

The BBC West Africa correspondent says African leaders fear the dispute
could plunge Ivory Coast into chaos, affecting the entire region.

The delegation came to Abidjan after five hours of talks late on Sunday in
the Togolese capital, Lome.



Alassane Ouattara (right) says he is qualified to stand as a presidential
candidate

Although invited, no one from Ivory Coast attended - General Guei refused to
go citing security reasons, and he refused to lift a travel ban that
restricted the movement of political leaders.

The seven leaders are holding discussions with members of General Guei's
military administration and opposition political leaders.

Diplomatic sources in Abidjan told the Reuters news agency that General Guei
sent a letter to the country's political parties last week suggesting
presidential elections be postponed for two years.

Collision course

Sources at the OAU-mediated talks in Abidjan say delegates had little
objection to the elections being postponed for a few months, but they would
also like to see General Guei step down completely and allow all civilian
candidates to stand.

General Guei is also expected to object to proposals to hold parliamentary
elections before presidential polls.

He only has the support of a number of small, recently-formed parties which
would be unlikely to perform well in legislative elections.

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