Abidjan, Cote d'Ivoire - Internationally-acclaimed president-elect of Cote d’Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara, has asked rival Laurent Gbagbo to seize the 'last chance' offered to him by the African Union (AU) Panel to relinquish power. 'To President Laurent Gbagbo, I would like to say it is time, in the supreme interest of the nation, he agreed to comply with the will of Ivorian people and the decisions of the African Union, our continental organization,' Ouattara said in a message broadcast Tuesday evening on his television. 'He must understand that this is, for himself and people close to him, the last chance for a peaceful and honourable departure. His responsibility is personally committed,' he added.

Like all Ivorians, Ouattara said he was anxious to see Cote d’Ivoire make progress towards sustainable development.

'That is why, I ask all parties, the outgoing president, the Constitutional Council, the army and administration, to accept this opportunity given to us by the African Union to emerge from a crisis that has already lasted too long,' he stressed.

He also called upon the armed forces to be at the disposal of the nation by supporting the will of the people who elected them.

For nearly three months, Cote d'Ivoire has been experiencing a serious crisis arising from the presidential run-off vote 28 November, whose victory is being disputed by Ouattara and Gbagbo.

This crisis, with its mass killing, is plunging the country into abyss and the people into total disarray and dire poverty.

In his message, Ouattara confirmed his willingness to mend the disintegrated social fabric, through the formation of national unity government, as requested by the African Union panel.

Pana 17/03/2011