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BOUAKE, Ivory Coast (AP) - Warring factions in Ivory Coast agreed Saturday to begin a long-delayed disarmament campaign next month to stave off a resumption of hostilities in the war-divided nation.
Rebels have controlled the northern half of Ivory Coast since a failed coup attempt in September 2002 sparked a civil war in the world's top cocoa producer. Deep differences between the two sides have simmered since, delaying the start of disarmament several times.
Both sides agreed that starting April 21 they will begin pulling heavy arms away from front lines, said a joint statement signed by Army Chief Col. Philippe Mangou and rebel forces chief of staff Col. Soumaila Bakayoko.
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