/ 16 May 2000

CÔTE D’IVOIRE VOWS TO CLAMP DOWN ON UNREST

CôTE d’Ivoire’s military junta said it will stamp down on any unrest caused by politicians who disagree with eligibility criteria drawn up for candidates in a presidential election to be held later this year. In a statement read out on state media late on Saturday, the junta said certain political leaders, whom it does not name, have tried to influence the committee that drew up the new constitution and issued threats when they did not get their way. On Friday the junta said the presidential election would be held on September 17, preceded by a referendum on a new constitution on July 23.