Minister of Interior Desire Tagro of Cote d'Ivoire

Cote d'Ivoire forces are to immediately pull back from front-lines, the presidential spokesman Desire Tagro said Sunday after a day of sudden air and ground clashes with the country's former colonial ruler, France.

He prefers to be here, to be ready for any eventuality," spokesman Desire Tagro said of Gbagbo.

Tagro said another decision outside the AU recommendations adds to the problem, creates disorder and worsens the situation.

President Laurent Gbagbo renewed the mandate late Friday, his spokesman Desire Tagro said in a statement broadcast on state television.

Tagro said the parliament's mandate, which expired Dec 16, would last until elections, expected by October.

People think it's taking a long time," Tagro said referring to the appointment of the prime minister.

Speaking early Saturday on state television, presidential spokesman Desire Tagro said Mr.

Spokesman Tagro said the decision was made so that Ivory Coast could be disarmed and reunited.

Tagro says the next steps would be a referendum on the article and then free and fair presidential elections in late 2005.

They're crying and they think that President Gbagbo is going to be overthrown," Tagro said by telephone.

The Security Council ought to be taking action against France, Gbagbo's spokesman Desire Tagro said on state television.

Abidjan port director Marcel Gossio, customs boss Konan Gnamien and Abidjan district governor Djedji Amondji will return to office within three weeks, presidential spokesman Desire Tagro said late Sunday.

Tagro said the directors of the port and customs and Abidjan governor had their suspensions changed to three month terms that end Dec 16.