Gbagbo allows constitution debate

By James Copnall
BBC News, Abidjan

Laurent Gbagbo's concession came during Thabo Mbeki's visit

Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo has agreed to let the national assembly consider a controversial reform on eligibility to run for president.

The existing constitution requires that presidential candidates have both "a father and mother of Ivorian origin".

The decision was announced as South African President Thabo Mbeki continued a mediation visit in Ivory Coast.

A two-year-old crisis there deepened when President Gbagbo re-ignited a dormant civil war last month.

Article 35 of the constitution, which controversially stopped opposition leader Alassane Ouattara running for president four years ago, is at the heart of the Ivorian crisis.

President Gbagbo announced he would put a new draft of the article agreed on by cabinet in front of the national assembly immediately.

If two-thirds of the deputies agree, a referendum on the new wording would be held.

'No faith'

However, a referendum cannot be held until the former rebels known as the New Forces disarm.

They say they have no faith in President Gbagbo's willingness to keep his promises.

President Gbagbo's office made the announcement after two days of talks with the South African leader.

President Mbeki, who has been mandated by the African Union to solve this crisis, is in the middle of a four-day visit to Ivory Coast.

The Ivorian crisis flared out of control a month ago when President Gbagbo broke an 18-month ceasefire to attack the New Forces.

The Ivorian head of state has been condemned by the international community, including the African Union. The United Nations has imposed an arms embargo on all parties.