RDR decline sole Ivory Coast position

The sole member of an Ivory Coast opposition party left in a government post after a reshuffle has refused an offer to stay on.

The leader of the Rally of the Republicans, Alassane Ouattara, said that Henriette Diabate, reappointed as culture minister after a reshuffle which saw all of her colleagues removed, would not be returning to her post.

Mr Ouattara said that in the name of solidarity Ms Diabate would not take part in the new government.

Ivory Coast's military leader, General Robert Guei, announced the sackings on Thursday following an RDR decision to oppose a proposed draft constitution.

Correspondents say General Guei who seized power in a military coup last December is trying to sideline Mr Ouattara -- a former prime minister -- ahead of presidential elections later this year.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service