Ivorians thank Ghana

By Edmund Mingle

The Ivorian Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro, has called on President John Evans Atta Mills with a special message of gratitude from the government and people of Cote d’Ivoire for Ghana’s support in resolving the recent political crisis that hit the neighbouring country.

“We are very appreciative of the assistance you offered us,” Prime Minister Soro, told President Mills at the Castle in Accra.

The Prime Minister, who was delighted to be visiting Ghana, said the government of Cote d’Ivoire respected the Ghana’s position in the Ivorian crisis, adding they would continue to cherish Ghana’s contribution to the peace process in that country.

Apart from the message of appreciation, Mr. Soro also delivered an invitation to President Mills requesting him to attend the investiture of the Alhassane Quattara, who is internationally recognized as the President-elect of Cote d’Ivoire, on May 21.

The political crisis which recently hit that country as a result of Laurent Gbagbo, the incumbent President’s refusal to hand over power to Mr. Quattara, calming he won the elections held in November.

But after fierce battle between forces backing the two leaders, the crisis seems to be over with capture of Mr. Gbagbo.

According to Mr. Soro, the invitation to President Mills was based on his immense contribution and support to the resolution of the crisis, as well as Cote d’Ivoire’s return to democracy.

Mr. Soro, who indicated that Ivorians were prepared to put the crisis behind them and forge ahdead in unity, denied speculations that some Ghanaian mercenaries were engaged to fight Mr. Quatttara, saying investigations revealed that Ghanaians were not involved.

He gave the assurance that President Quattara and himself would continue to seek wise counsel from President Mills towards building democracy in their country, and described President Mills as “a man of wisdom.”

In addition, he gave assurance that the government would not maltreat captured President Gbagbo, since they believe maltreating him would jeopardize the country’s drive for peace and reconciliation.

President Mills, for his part, thanked the Ivorian government for the invitation, saying it has been the prayer of Ghanaians that Cote d’Ivoire would return onto the path of peace, democracy and development.

“We are prepared to offer any support to help Cote d’Ivoire to return to normalcy,” he said, adding that because of the closeness of the two nations, “whatever affects you affects us.”

He gave the assurance that all efforts made by Ghana to solve the crisis was out of a genuine concern for the people of Cote d’Ivoire, saying the government was fully aware of its limits of intervention in the crisis.

“It’s not for Ghana to decide who should lead Cote d’Ivoire. That decision is for the people of Cote d’Ivoire,” he said.

He urged the people of that country to put the past behind them and be united for progress, saying it was critical to ensure that the country does not disintegrate any further.

“It’s our hope and prayer that Cote d’Ivoire will get back on her feet as soon as possible,” he said, and wished the government and people of the neighbouring nation all the best.