Accra (Greater Accra) 14 June ?99

Mr James Victor Gbeho, Minister of Foreign Affairs, has condemned the violence and recrimination meted out against Ghanaians in Cote d'Ivoire at the least provocation.

He described the situation as a "serious matter" that should engage the attention of the two brotherly nations in the such for an amicable solution.

Answering questions on the floor of the house on Friday in connection with compensation paid to victims of the post-Asante Kotoko/Asec Mimosa football match violence in Cote d'Ivoire in 1993, Mr Gbeho said governments of the "two brotherly countries" should sit down and address the issue "creatively".

Mr Kwakye Addo, NDC-Afram Plains, wanted to know from the minister whether compensation has been paid to the victims, and if not, what arrangements his ministry has put in place to effect payment of the delayed compensation.

Mr Gbeho stated that he shared the view expressed by the Ivorian President that monetary compensation may not be the most important thing in resolving the issue.

He explained that Ghana and Cote d'Ivoire are two nations whose nationals have been ordained by history and geography to live together, and the fact that they were both colonised by historically rival powers does not necessarily mean that "we should allow these differences to continue to divide us".

Mr Gbeho said considering the harmonious relations between the two nations, finding an acceptable settlement to the issue in the traditional African way is more important.

He said the total claims for compensation for the loss of property and personal effects made by Ghana amounted to five billion CFA.

Among the recommendations made by the Planning Committee set up to pacify and reconcile citizens of the countries, is a pacification ceremony to take place preferably in Kumasi and Abidjan.

He said the sub-committee of the Ghana side of the Commission revised the list of claims and recommended that a token sum of money totalling 578,000,000 cedis be paid to some categories of the victims of the violence by the government of Ghana.

Mr Gbeho did not agree with members who saw compensation to victims as the most ideal thing to resolve the issue. He was of the view that the solution should go beyond monetary compensation.

"We should take a more holistic and nationalistic approach by acting responsibly and sensibly towards the issue", the minister said.

GRi./