DATE=10/31/02

TYPE=CORRESPONDENT REPORT

TITLE=IVORY COAST / TALKS (L-O)

NUMBER=2-295947

BYLINE=LUIS RAMIREZ

DATELINE=ABIDJAN

CONTENT=

VOICED AT:

INTRO: Peace talks to end the six-week-old military rebellion in Ivory Coast are continuing in Togo, following what was described as a cordial first day meeting. V-O-A's Luis Ramirez reports from Abidjan.

TEXT: Talks entered their second day as a delegation of the Ivory Coast government and rebels discussed delicate issues of disarmament of rebels and the insurgents' demand for new elections.

Unlike Wednesday, when both sides met face-to-face, the second-day discussions were largely carried out through the mediator, Togolese President Ngassingbe Eyadema, who is hosting the talks.

The closed-door discussions have been held at the president's residence and a hotel in the capital, Lome.

Togolese officials said Mr. Eyadema was seen going back and forth between the two rooms where each of the delegations gathered.

The talks aim to end a six-week-old conflict that has killed hundreds and left Ivory Coast divided. The government controls the south and west of the country and the rebels control the center and north.

Mediators described the first set of talks Wednesday as cordial. Analysts expected the tone of the discussions to intensify as the two sides began to touch on the most sensitive issues.

The government of Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo has repeatedly said it wants rebels to disarm before it engages in further negotiations. The rebels' key demands include new elections and President Gbagbo's resignation.

Fighting has been on hold for nearly two-weeks since both sides agreed to a cease-fire that was brokered by West African mediators.

On Wednesday, President Eyadema said he was optimistic that an agreement would emerge from the meeting in Togo. The Togolese leader said both sides had shown their willingness to find a peaceful solution to the crisis in Ivory Coast. (SIGNED)

NEB/LR/KL/RAE