Diarra, who heads a government of "national reconciliation" set up by a peace accord that has failed to make progress, was quoted as saying Friday that disarmament was the "priority of priorities" to resolve the crisis in Ivory Coast.

"You must return to the negotiating table without delay to discuss launching disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration, with the assistance of impartial forces," he told both sides.

The question of disarmament provided for in the peace process and being pushed by the African Union mediator, South Africa's President Thabo Mbeki, is in deadlock.

The rebel New Forces say both sides should disarm in parallel, which is rejected by President Laurent Gbagbo.

Diarra also urged the nine rebel ministers, who walked out in November claiming their safety could not be guaranteed, to return to the government.

And he called on the government to fight "the perverse effects of war, the insecurity of people and property, corruption and racketeering, the defiance of the rule of law."

Diarra, a 69-year-old Muslim from northern Ivory Coast named a year ago under the French-brokered Marcoussis accords, has struggled to impose his authority under criticism from both sides, particularly the Gbagbo camp.

He insisted on Thursday that he would continue his mission until the organisation of national elections which are due to be held in October but appear increasingly unlikely.

Two weeks ago he urged Gbagbo to declare hostilities over with the rebels who tried to oust the president in 2002 in order "to send a strong signal at the national level", but was rebuffed.

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