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African Union’s nomination of an envoy due to negotiate an end to the crisis in the country, questioning his impartiality.
The AU on Saturday appointed Jose Brito, Cape Verde’s former foreign minister, as its diplomat charged with overseeing talks meant to result in incumbent Laurent Gbagbo stepping down in favour of Ouattara leading a government of unity to end a crisis that has pushed the top cocoa producer to the brink of war.
But Ouattara’s camp overnight complained that it had not been consulted on the AU nomination, adding that Brito was unsuitable as he had personal and professional relations with Gbagbo and was not a former president, as was expected.
“As a result, the president of the republic of Cote d’lvoire rejects Mr Jose Brito as the AU’s High Representative,” Ouattara’s office said in a statement.
A spokesman for Gbabgo’s camp was not immediately available.
The AU has been tasked with seeking a peaceful solution to the row over the Nov 28 election, which has led to violence that has killed hundreds and forced over a million people from their homes, raising the prospect of a resumption of the 2002-2003 civil war. – Reuters.