Guei comes out of hiding

General Guei fled after violent protests last month

The former military leader of Ivory Coast, Robert Guei, has emerged from hiding after fleeing a popular uprising following elections last month.

Speaking after a surprise meeting with President Laurent Gbagbo in the capital, Yamoussoukro, General Guei called on all soldiers to return to barracks.

I am not a policeman, nor a magistrate. I am happy with his declaration

President Gbagbo

He also said he recognised Mr Gbagbo as president and was going to return to his home village in the west of the country, Kabacouma.

After the meeting Mr Gbagbo reiterated his belief in healing the country's divisions.

"What is important is that the country starts a process of reconciliation," he said.

He was not to be drawn on any possible legal proceedings against General Guei.

"I am not a policeman, nor a magistrate. I am happy with his declaration," he said.

Some members of the general's presidential guard have not returned to barracks since the violence with which his regime tried to quash protest.

General Guei took power after a coup last December.

General Guei: A turbulent 10 months in control

He claimed victory in the elections last month, but was forced to flee when Mr Gbagbo's supporters took to the streets in protest.

During three days of violence tens of thousands of unarmed pro-democracy supporters were fired upon by soldiers loyal to the military regime as it tried, unsuccessfully to hang on to power.

After General Guei had fled, the unrest then degenerated into battles between Mr Gbagbo's supporters and followers of Mr Ouattara.

According to official figures, 171 people were killed in the violence.