General News of Wednesday, 14 April 2004

Source: GNA

Make Ivorian crisis temporary - Kufuor tells leaders

Accra, April 14, GNA - President John Agyekum Kufuor on Wednesday urged the leadership of political parties in Cote d'Ivoire to put nationalism above partisan interests and find solutions that would make the current crisis temporary.

He said when the political leaders co-exist and accommodate each other while they work towards the establishment of democratic institutions, that would be enough for Cote D'Ivoire to regain her position among African countries.

President Kufuor made the observation when former Ivorian Premier Affi N'guessan, and a member of the ruling FPI party paid a courtesy call on him at the Castle, Osu.

He said the efforts being made by leaders within the Sub-Region to ensure Cote D'Ivoire returned to normalcy was motivated by the exclusiveness of the harmonious and proper development of the country. Mr N'guessan expressed appreciation to President Kufuor in his efforts to mediate in the protest march by the opposition political parties. He appealed to President Kufuor not to relent in the efforts being made by endeavour to pursue avenues to maintain peace and stability in Cote D'Ivoire.

The former Premier said, " the future of our two countries are linked and if there is peace in Cote D'Ivoire, there would be peace in Ghana and the Sub-Region"