17 September 2009 - 19H16
Burkina Faso's Compaoré warns against further election delays
In his first official visit to the Ivory Coast since the start of a civil war seven years ago, Burkina Faso's leader Blaise Compaoré has urged Ivorian authorities not to further delay a presidential election set for November 29.
Burkina Faso's leader, Blaise Compaoré, has paid a visit to his Ivorian counterpart Laurent Gbagbo for the first time since the start of a war in the Ivory Coast seven years ago.
At the time, Burkina Faso was suspected of supporting Ivorian rebels, known as the Northern New Forces, who still control much of the north of the Ivory Coast.
But since 2004, the president of Burkina Faso has acted as a mediator between the rebels and the Ivorian government.
During his visit, Compaoré spoke his mind about the upcoming presidential election in the Ivory Coast. "It's important not to wreck what we've done so far, for the future of our two countries," he said. "We must make sure we're going slowly but surely, towards our main goal...the presidential election"
The government of the Ivory Coast has come under growing pressure to hold elections after countless delays. Critics say the former feuding parties are all profiting from the status quo.
For his part, President Laurent Gbago remains confident the Nov. 29 deadline will be met. "We shouldn't confuse the future of the peace process, and the delayed elections... They're two seperate things."
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