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I will restore law, order in Cote D’Ivoire – Ouattara

Addis Ababa – The African Union Peace and Security (PSC) on Friday, rejected any form of external military intervention on Libya by any country or group.

At the same Addis Ababa the internationally recognised President of Cote D’Ivoire Alassane Ouattara has promised to restore law and order in the country as soon as he returns from Ethiopia

The rejection was contained in a communiqué issued in Addis Ababa at the end of its meeting to discuss the situation in Libya.

“The Council reaffirmed its respect for Libya’s territory and therefore rejects any form of foreign military intervention as the situation requires urgent African action.

“To facilitate the immediate humanitarian crisis and assistance to African migrant workers,’’ the communique said.

The Council resolved to appoint a High Level Ad-hoc Committee of five Heads of State and Dr Jean Ping, the AU Commission chairman, to visit Libya and discuss with both parties and to, among other things, assess the situation on the ground.

It directed the committee to conduct an all inclusive dialogue among Libyan parties to ensure appropriate reforms.

It also added that the committee should make all possible efforts to stop secession and further hostility and use of force by both parties.

According to the communique the council will ensure political reforms, justice, economic and social development through peaceful and democratic manner.

Mr Ramtane Lamamra, the AU Commissioner for Peace and Security, who read the communique said that the Council has also been mandated to interact with AU partners such as the IOC, the Arab League, the EU and the UN to coordinate efforts in settling the crisis.

“While urging all AU-member countries to provide humanitarian aid to African migrants workers wishing to leave the country, the committee would also investigate the alleged use of mercenaries by Libyan government during the crisis,” he said.

Nigeria was represented by Hajiya Salamatu Suleiman, Minister of State for Foreign Affairs

Also the internationally recognised President of Cote D’Ivoire Alassane Ouattara says he will restore law and order in the country as soon as he returns from Ethiopia.

Ouattara is in Addis Ababa to attend the meeting of the AU High Panel on the crisis in his country.

In Addis Ababa, Ouattara said that as the recognised president of the country, he would take up his leadership role on return so as to stop the killing of innocent Ivorians.

He said the mandate given to him through the Nov 28, 2010, election and the recognition by the international community should not be snatched by Laurent Gbagbo.

The AU Peace and Security Committee had accepted the Panel’s recommendation for the formation of a unity government with Ouattara as president.

This was recommendation, was however, rejected by the Gbagbo’s camp.

Cote d’Ivoire has been in turmoil since the re-run election of Nov. 28, 2010, which the electoral commission declared Ouattara as winner.

But incumbent President Gbagbo rejected the result and refused to hand over power. (NAN)

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