国际英语新闻：AU mediator leaves Cote d'Ivoire without breakthrough

NAIROBI, Jan. 19 (Xinhua) -- African Union mediator for the resolution of the electoral crisis gripping Cote d'Ivoire Raila Odinga ended his visit to the West African nation on Wednesday without a breakthrough.

In a statement issued at the end of the visit, Odinga who is also Kenyan Prime Minister said he did not succeed in persuading the two leaders to end the seven-week long crisis which has engulfed the West African nation. "Despite extensive discussions on Monday with incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo and opposition leader Alassane Ouattara that went very late into the night (Monday), I regret to announce that the breakthrough that was needed did not materialize," Odinga said.

He said one of the principal goals of his mission was to convince Gbagbo to accept that he needed to put his presidency on the agenda of the discussions.

In addition, he said, it was imperative that the blockade of the Golf Hotel be lifted. "Gbagbo gave me an assurance that this blockade would be lifted yesterday (Tuesday), but he broke that promise for the second time in two weeks," Odinga said.

The AU mediator's talks were aimed at persuading Gbagbo to step aside following the November 28, 2010 election that his rival Ouattara was internationally recognised as the winner.

Odinga, who arrived in the West African country for talks on Monday, said that he had indicated to Ouattara that he would need to appoint a number of Gbagbo's allies to any Cabinet he would form as president so that the country's deep divisions can begin to be healed.