Mediators to try to mend Ivory Coast

Ivorian President Ouattara set up a post-conflict Truth and Conciliation Commission to bring justice after the atrocitiesFormer U.N. Secretary-General Kofi Annan and Archbishop Desmond Tutu are part of the reconciliation effortThe Ivory Coast's recent disputed presidential election plunged the nation into a period of violent tension

(CNN) -- Three of the international diplomatic community's most respected mediators arrived in the Ivory Coast Sunday to start a process of national reconciliation.

Former United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan, Archbishop Desmond Tutu and former President of the Republic of Ireland Mary Robinson gathered in Abidjan for the first day of their two-day visit.

"You have lived a very difficult experience," Annan said to a crowd of reporters gathered. "There is only one Ivory Coast, and we must work together and build this country."

Last month, Ivory Coast President Alassane Ouattara told reporters he was setting up a Truth and Reconciliation Commission to bring to justice anyone who committed atrocities during the most recent strife or before that.

The West African nation recently ended a political stalemate, which started in December following former President Laurent Gbagbo's refusal to step down after he lost elections.

Escalated violence and fears of war forced nearly 1 million residents to flee the main city of Abidjan, aid groups said. The standoff left hundreds dead.

CNN's Moni Basu and Alanne Orjoux contributed to this report.

CNN Top Stories

This post was made using the Auto Blogging Software from WebMagnates.org This line will not appear when posts are made after activating the software to full version.