Political situation generates much interest

In the aftermath of protests by a section of the military in Cote d’Ivoire on 4 and 5 July, a number of foreign nations and groups have issued statements on the situation in the West African nation. The European Union said on 10 July that it “deeply regrets the many acts of violence committed, in particular against the civilian population and businesses” during last week’s disturbances. It said it “hopes there will be no delay in the electoral process and that the referendum due to be held on 23 July 2000 will take place on schedule”. US Ambassador George Mu told journalists on Tuesday that, in a meeting he had with Ivoirian leader General Robert Guei, he emphasised that “the best way to achieve stability is to continue on the democratisation process that he has put in place”. This includes a referendum on a draft constitution as scheduled followed by by elections “that are open, fair, transparent and inclusive of all candidates that are qualified here in Cote d’Ivoire”. “Our position is that we do not expect Guei to present himself as a candidate for the upcoming elections,” Mu said, explaining that this was in keeping with US policy on military coups. AFP reported on Tuesday that African leaders attending the 36th summit of the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) were also worried about the situation in Cote d’Ivoire, and that a ministerial delegation was expected to visit the country immediately after the summit. The Sahelian countries, AFP reported, were worried about the repercussions of the instability in Cote d’Ivoire on their nationals, millions of whom live in the country, and on their economic development. The issue of whether the head of the Rassemblement des Republicains (RDR), one of the main political parties in the country, is eligible for election as president has polarised the country.