Ivory Coast passes amnesty law

Rebels still control much of the north of the country

Ivory Coast's parliament has passed a law giving immunity for some crimes committed during the recent civil war in the country.

The amnesty will not be applied to those who have committed serious human rights abuses or economic crimes during the hostilities, which left thousands dead and up to one million people displaced.

BBC correspondent Liz Blunt says the bill removes a significant legal hurdle to disarmament, reassuring the rebels that they will not be prosecuted for treason the moment they abandon their weapons.

The bill is part of the French-brokered peace deal between President Laurent Gbagbo's government and rebels who initiated the conflict.

Compensation

The amnesty was the subject of serious debate in the assembly, and outside the assembly building in the southern city of Abidjan, demonstrators protested against the idea of granting an amnesty to rebel forces.

Our correspondent says both sides have already exchanged lists of prisoners.

The bill also makes provisions to award compensation to those who suffered in the conflict.

Ivory Coast is still split in two, with rebel forces still controlling the northern part of the country.

However fighting has stopped and an agreement signed in France last January is gradually coming into force.

Around 4,000 French troops and 1,200 West African peacekeepers are still in the Ivory Coast, monitoring the ceasefire lines drawn between rebels and those loyal to Mr Gbagbo.