COTE D'IVOIRE: SORO OFFICIALLY PRIME MINISTER

UNCLAS ABIDJAN 000361 SIPDIS SENSITIVE SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: PGOV PREL UN IV SUBJECT: COTE D'IVOIRE: SORO OFFICIALLY PRIME MINISTER REF: A. ABIDJAN 340 ¶B. ABIDJAN 333 ¶1. (SBU) Ex-rebel leader Guillaume Soro officially took over the Premiership Wednesday, April 4 at a ceremony at the Prime Minister's compound that included outgoing Prime Minister Banny and most of his cabinet. Soro, who had been named Prime Minister on March 29 by presidential decree, said that he was "aware of the challenges that lie ahead, and promised to work for the success of the Ouagadougou agreement." Banny, who apparently will not be returning to the West African Central Bank, BCEAO, called for a resurrection of Cote d'Ivoire in final statements and cited his work in restoring trust among Ivorians. He encouraged Soro to bring the country to successful elections. Soro met with President Gbagbo on Thursday, April 5 and the two are said to have finalized the makeup of the new government. Press reports say they have submitted the list to President Compaore and the new government will be announced on April 6 or 7. ¶2. (SBU) COMMENT: Soro has his work cut out for him. By declining to return to the BCEAO, Banny nay be signaling his intention to run for President in the next election. END COMMENT Hooks