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 ABIDJAN, Ivory Coast (AP) - Ivory Coast's president vowed to stay in power for another year Sunday as security forces fired into the air and hurled tear gas at opposition militants protesting a bitterly disputed, U.N.-backed extension of his mandate.
Laurent Gbagbo also said he would name a new prime minister within days to ensure presidential elections are held within 12 months. Late Sunday, rebels issued a statement proclaiming rebel leader Guillaume Soro the new premier, although they have no legal authority to do so. The move was sure to increase tensions in the West African country.
A presidential ballot, initially slated for Sunday, was canceled last month with rebel and government forces blaming each other for failing to disarm first.
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