PRIME Minister of Cote d’Ivoire Pascal Affi N’Guessan has called on rebel soldiers to surrender, saying that the government “is ready to examine the situation of the mutineers” if they lay down their arms.

　　President Laurent Gbabgo will review the situation of the disgruntled soldiers facing demobilization in coming months but “only if they lay down their arms.”

　　Mutinous troops launched a coup attempt Thursday which was quelled in Abidjan although the rebels have taken control of Bouake, 400km north of Abidjan and the northern town of Korhogo. The failed coup attempt has claimed some 270 lives and left 300 injured by Friday in Abidjan. Interior Minister Emile Boga Doudou were confirmed killed during the bloody clashes. (SD-Agencies)