Security tight for Ivorian president's meeting

ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (Reuters) -- Hundreds of soldiers guarded the presidential palace in Abidjan on Thursday as diplomats arrived for a meeting with Ivory Coast's military ruler, General Robert Guei, three days after an attempt on his life.

Witnesses said armed soldiers searched everyone several times before they were allowed access into the grounds. Ambassadors' cars were thoroughly searched.

The meeting was due to begin at 1000 GMT but had not started by that time.

ALSO No newspapers in Ivory Coast as reporters protest

All the top brass of the armed forces was in attendance, along with leaders of political parties, traditional chiefs, trade union leaders and representatives of other social groups.

They have been given no agenda for the meeting, but Guei is expected to give his explanation of Monday's events, when an armed group attacked his private residence in central Abidjan.

At least 14 soldiers, including members of his presidential guard, have been arrested in connection with the attack.

Guei, who came to power in a coup in December 1999, is a candidate in a presidential election scheduled for October 22, the first in a series of polls aimed at returning the West African country to democratic rule.

Copyright 2000 Reuters. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten, or redistributed.

For more Africa news, myCNN.com will bring you news from the areas and subjects you select.

See related sites about Africa

Note: Pages will open in a new browser window

External sites are not endorsed by CNN Interactive.