Ouattara Clears First Step In National Reconciliation

Abidjan, Aug 08 (AIP) - The President of the Ivorian Popular Front (FPI), Pascal Affi N'Guessan, said on Wednesday that the release of prisoners of Cote d' Ivoire's post-election crisis is a first step of reconciling the country by its leader President Alassane Ouattara.

"In deciding to release political prisoners, the head of state passes the first step on the scale of national reconciliation," said Pascal Affi N'Guessan during a press conference at the headquarters of his party in Abidjan.

He praised Ouattara's decision to adopt an amnesty law, which, he said, would have to be concretely translated into the release of all political prisoners.

"The FPI congratulates him for having acceded to the demand of the Ivorian populations," he said, not without encouraging President Ouattara to continue the dynamic of "relaxation", by also releasing military prisoners.

"I solemnly urge the Head of State to give concrete substance to these measures and go beyond what has been said. The FPI encourages him to go further in order to release all military prisoners so that ultimately his action is total, "said Pascal Affi N'Guessan.

He nevertheless welcomed the new direction that he believed Mr. Ouattara was taking to give to political life in Côte d'Ivoire.

"Everyone can be wrong, we must welcome the political reorientation of Mr. Ouattara in starting these measures," he added.

Among the personalities benefiting from the amnesty are Simone Ehivet Gbagbo (released today), the wife of former President Laurent Gbagbo, former Minister of Defense, Lida Kouassi, and that of Water and Forests, Assoa Adou.

(AIP/GNA)