Ivory Coast likely to open diplomatic mission in city

---

DAOUKRO (Ivory Coast), July 14 (BSS): Ivory Coast is expected to open its diplomatic mission in Bangladesh after peace is restored here through the upcoming election scheduled to be held in next January.
"Now our mission in New Delhi works for Bangladesh affairs and the government will try to open an office in Dhaka, the capital of Bangladesh, as good friendship has been established among us through deployment of Bangladeshi troops as United Nations (UN) peacekeepers", former president of Ivory Coast Henri Konan Bedei told the Bangladesh delegation here Saturday.
The delegation, comprising military officers and media persons, led by Brigadier General M Rafiqul Islam called on Bedei at his luxurious palace in his village here.
Bedei became the president and ruled the country from 1993 to 1999 without much disturbance. But in late 1999, he was overthrown in a bloodless military coup and fled to France. The general, who came to power, was killed in another coup.
Bedei returned home two years back and now taking preparation for contesting election from his Democratic Party of Ivory Coast.
On a query whether the election to be held on time or delayed, he said "I hope the election would be held as per schedule since there is no alternative to election for restoration of peace.
Appreciating the role of Bangladeshi forces, he said as part of impartial troops deployed by the UN, they (Bangladeshi forces) are doing better and we have good relations with them.
"Our business is fully private sector oriented. If the businessmen desire, they can go ahead to establish trade relations," he said to another query.
Highlighting his development and modernisation work while he was in power, Bedei said he would if elected give first priority to inspire farmers to work and their children to go to schools.