The biggest opposition party in Ivory Coast - the Ivorian Popular Front - has ended its boycott of the government formed by the new military junta which seized power three weeks ago.

All four of its appointed ministers joined a cabinet meeting in the capital Abidjan on Wednesday.

The party had complained that ministerial appointments favoured a rival opposition group.

There are reports that the Popular Front has been offered two more cabinet posts, but so far there has been no official announcement.

Information Minister Levy Niamke said the government had used its first full meeting to set out key objectives.

First military takeover

He said these included renewing relations with international donors, restoring conditions of real democracy and to create a climate of confidence for domestic and foreign investors.

Correspondents say concerns over corruption was a key factor in the withdrawal of aid by key donors last year, including the International Monetary Fund.

The interim government is led by General Robert Guei, who emerged as Ivory Coast's first junta leader during a Christmas Eve coup that toppled President Henri Konan Bedie.

It was the first military takeover in the country, which has been one of Africa's most prosperous and stable nations since it gained independence from France in 1960.

Mr Guei has said the interim government will rule until elections are held, but has not given a timetable.