afrol News, 17 March - President Laurent Gbagbo of Côte d'Ivoire has expressed confidence in African intervention to solve the continent's internal conflicts.

Mr Gbagbo told the state television that "African interference would be far more better than that of great foreign powers like United States, China or France," citing the successful mediation of the Ivorian crisis by Burkina Faso, several years after international efforts had failed.

The Ivorian leader said solutions to Africa's problems depend on forging of defence packs among countries on the continent. He has therefore urged African countries to open talks on signing accords on defence among themselves.

Gbagbo preferred defence accords within African countries instead of signing what he called "hypocritical accords" with France that intervenes only to protect its interests.

Under the mediation of President Blasé Compaoré, Ivorian government and rebels signed a peace accord on 4 March 2007. The West African country is moving fast to address problems associated with legal and other issues, including the identification process.

Ivorians are expected to go to the polls in June 2008. And according to President Gbagbo, the polls will take place on the scheduled date.

By staff writer

© afrol News

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