Ivorian ex-rebels hand over zones

The transfer of power was due in January but was twice postponed

Former rebel forces in Ivory Coast have relinquished territory in the north to civilian administrators appointed by President Laurent Gbagbo.

A handover ceremony was held on Tuesday in the ex-rebel stronghold of Bouake.

Mr Gbagbo says polls cannot be held until the central government's rule is restored throughout Ivory Coast.

He signed a peace deal with the New Forces rebels in 2007. Presidential elections - repeatedly postponed - are due to be held in November.

The former French colony was torn apart by a brief civil war in 2002 when the New Forces seized control of the mainly Muslim north of the country.

The handover of 10 northern zones controlled by the rebels since the conflict is aimed at restoring government authority across the West Africa country.

Reunification is seen as key for luring back investment to Ivory Coast

The transfer of power, due in January under the latest United Nations-backed peace pact signed at the end of 2008, was twice postponed.

Prime Minister Guillaume Soro, himself a former rebel leader, signed a document authorising the handover.

Interior Minister Desire Tagro, who is close to President Gbagbo, said: "We are seeing the full return of political and administrative normality in Ivory Coast," reported Reuters news agency.

Ivory Coast has put off elections several times since President Gbagbo's mandate expired in October 2005.

Reunification and fair elections are regarded as vital for encouraging investment back to world's biggest cocoa producer.