Ivorians cautious on latest peace bid

Residents of rebel-held northern Ivory Coast voiced cautious optimism on Monday after the latest deal meant to end a three-year civil war in the world's top cocoa grower.

Government officials and rebel chiefs signed an agreement in the capital Yamoussoukro late on Saturday setting out dates for fighters from both sides to disarm ready for elections due in the West African country on October 30.

According to the deal, the rebels will disarm by early October provided the government meets commitments to disband its militias by August 20 and pass key laws which have long been a stumbling block to a stop-start peace process.