Royal Gurkha Regiment In Ghana ....

British nationals to be evacuated From Ivory Coast

UK forces are to undertake an evacuation of British nationals from the west African state of Ivory Coast. Defence Secretary Geoff Hoon said a company of the Royal Gurkha Regiment is "pre-positioning" in the neighbouring state of Ghana and will be on "immediate notice" to support the evacuation.

Dozens of people have been killed and hundreds injured since France destroyed much of the country's small air force after a bombing raid on Saturday killed nine French peacekeepers.

The evacuation will also involve "a number" of RAF transport aircraft, Mr Hoon said. In all, around 300 people will be involved in the deployment.

The United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has said the health of over 2 million women and children in the rebel-held north of the country is at risk because the state has cut water and electricity to the region.

The West African state cut supplies last week ahead of an attack to retake the north, in rebel hands in since 2002.

Representatives of Ivory Coast's opposition are due to meet South African President Thabo Mbeki to try to resolve days of violent unrest in the West African cocoa producer.

Exiled Ivorian opposition leader Alassane Outtara has arrived in South Africa for the talks, as have rebel leaders Guillaume Soro and Djedje Mad. The Ivorian government will not be represented however.