Opposition speaks on failed coup

Ivorian opposition parties have condemned Sunday’s failed putsch and appealed to the government to take measures that would restore peace and stability to the nation, local news agencies reported Thursday. The former ruling Parti democratique de Cote d’Ivoire (PDCI) and the Party ivoirien des travailleurs (PIT), in separate statements, pledged their support to the government and appealed to all political actors to renew their commitment to the principles of peace and democracy. The PDCI added that Ivorians needed peace so that they could face “the immediate challenges of the new millennium”, the Abidjan daily ‘Le Jour’ reported. The Rassemblement des republicains (RDR) denied the government’s allegation that it was involved in the failed putsch, the pro-RDR daily, ‘Le Patriote’ reported. The RDR, in deploring the recent chronic instability of the country, said the lack of sincere dialogue and democracy on the government’s part led to this latest event. Newly elected independent members of parliament congratulated the loyalists forces for quashing the rebellion and asked the government to act swiftly to bring the culprits to justice, another Abidjan daily, ‘Notre Voie’, reported. In deploring the violence, all the parties appealed for national unity and respect of democratic principles.