Ivory Coast crisis: Gbagbo to negotiate 'peaceful' end

Ivory Coast's Laurent Gbagbo has agreed to negotiate a "peaceful end" to his country's crisis without preconditions, regional leaders say.

The chairman of the Ecowas regional group said Mr Gbagbo had also agreed to immediately lift the blockade around the temporary headquarters of his presidential rival Alassane Ouattara.
The UN regards Mr Ouattara the winner of November elections but Mr Gbagbo, the incumbent, refused to cede power.
Ecowas has threatened to force him out.
The BBC's John James in Ivory Coast's business capital, Abidjan, says it is important not to over-emphasise the importance of Mr Gbagbo's statement.
Mr Gbagbo has given no indication he is willing to step down, our correspondent says.
Mr Ouattara, who is holed up in a hotel protected by UN peacekeepers, has said he is willing to talk, as long as the internationally agreed election results are accepted by Mr Gbagbo.