Rebels Reject Elections in Ivory Coast

Rebels in Ivory Coast say they have withdrawn their support for elections scheduled for October 30.

The rebels reached the decision Thursday after a meeting in their northern stronghold of Bouake.

The French News Agency, AFP, quotes a rebel statement as saying that conditions for a "free, democratic, and transparent vote" cannot be guaranteed.

The October elections are meant to help foster the reunification of Ivory Coast, which has been cut in two since a civil war erupted in September 2002 after a failed coup against President Laurent Gbagbo.

Little progress has been made in implementing a series of peace deals between the government and rebels.

Some information for this report provided by Reuters and AFP.