The United Nations representatives in Ivory Coast welcomed the "flame of peace" ceremony during the official beginning of the disarmament process, by burning the weapons given up by rebels. The ceremony took place in Bouaké, in the North of the country, the stronghold of the former rebel group "Forces Nouvelles" (New Forces). During the ceremony, President Laurent Gbagbo and Prime Minister Guillaume Soro lit a fire to burn the piles of weapons. Several authorities of African countries and of the international community also took part in it. "The remarkable symbolism of the event declared the UNO mission in Ivory Coast points out the resoluteness of Ivorian authorities to unify the country again, as well as their commitment to make all necessary steps, as indicated in the Political Agreement in Ouagadougou". Last March, the mediation of Ouagadougou was an attempt to heal divisions in Ivory Coast, along the line marking the South of the country, under the control of the legitimate government. The attempt was to heal divisions between South and North, in the hands of the "Forces Nouvelles". Among other things, the pact asks for the creation of a new transition government; organization of free and fair presidential elections; dismantling militia, disarming former fighters and engaging them in programmes of civil service; replacing the "security area" separating North from South through a green line monitored by UNO mission.
