Ivory Coast’s rebels have taken up their posts in the new government of national unity. Their attendance at a cabinet session in the capital, Yamoussoukro, for the first time is a central part of attempts to end a six-month conflict which has left the main rebel group in control of the northern half of the country, and two smaller groups in control of some western areas. President Laurent Gbagbo welcomed them to the “hell” of power. The former rebels joked and chatted with their erstwhile enemies, reports Reuters news agency. The three rebel groups, who hold nine posts in the new government, had refused to attend previous cabinet meetings. They had demanded security guarantees for their ministers before taking up their posts, and had rejected the appointment by President Laurent Gbagbo of two interim ministers to fill the disputed portfolios of defence and interior. The rebels have warned that they will renew their boycott if these issues are not resolved. The two sensitive ministries will now be decided at a meeting of the 15-member national security council next week. Full Story
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