Ivorian president meets ex-leaders for unity talks

One of the recommendations from earlier this year's talks between the government and the opposition to defuse tensions in the nation was the meeting.

Ivorian president meets ex-leaders for unity talks

To bring about peace in the nation, President Alassane Ouattara of the Ivory Coast met with Henri Konan Bédié and Laurent Gbagbo.

In Ivory Coast, the three enduring opponents have controlled politics for more than 25 years.

The group hadn't spoken since a violent civil war in 2010, thus this was their first encounter.

President Ouattara gave Mr. Gbagbo and Mr. Bédié a warm welcome on Thursday at the presidential palace, where they had a lengthy discussion.

In a brief statement issued to the media by Mr. Gbagbo after the meeting, he stated: "Today's meeting was a reunion to renew contact and exchange in truth on the major challenges of the nation."

The group expressed their optimism that the conference would signal an improvement in the political environment in Ivory Coast.

One of the recommendations from earlier this year's talks between the government and the opposition to defuse tensions in the nation was the meeting.

President Ouattara expressed hope that such gatherings would become commonplace so that he could consider the suggestions and advice of his forerunners and give them a chance to impart their wisdom and knowledge of the nation.