Post date: Apr 01, 2011 3:57:13 PM
A key aide to Ivorian presidential pretender Laurent Gbagbo said the leader whose forces are coming under pressure from the advancing armies of Alassane Ouattara would be prepared to negotiate but is prepared to die in the country
PARIS, FRANCE (APRIL 1, 2011) REUTERS - Ivory Coast's presidential claimant Laurent Gbagbo will fight to the end and is preparing to make a public address to the nation in the hours or days ahead, his European adviser said on Friday (April 1).
Advisor Toussaint Alain said Gbgabo was prepared for dialogue with his opponents, but Alain did not expand on what form that could take.
"President Gbagbo is on Ivorian territory. He's at the helm, he continues to run ivorian affairs since the start of this rebellion against our country."
He had just spoken to Gbgabo, who was in a "secure location" in Ivory Coast and directing operations.
He declined to say whether he was in Abidjan, the scene of fierce fighting on Friday as troops loyal to Gbagbo fended off attacks by forces seeking to install rival Alassane Outtara.
Alain said Gbagbo would address Ivorians soon, once television services are up and running again.