This daily press review is compiled by the Information Section of the Public Affairs Office of the American Embassy in Abidjan, Côte d'Ivoire.

1. President Gbagbo's warm welcome at Gesco in Yopougon suburb and the press conference of the U.S. Ambassador in Cote d'Ivoire as he is leaving post are major news in Thursday Ivoirian press.

2. Le Temps, a privately-owned daily, close to President Gbabgo, carries in its headline a picture of a huge crowd acclaiming President Gbagbo as he was passing the Corridor of Yopougon. The paper headlines "triumphal return of the Woody"; Woody meaning brave man in local Bete language.

3. Le Patriote, a privately-owned daily close to the opposition RDR questions "who does not want elections in Cote d'Ivoire?" For the paper Mr. Gbagbo's invitation to rapidly go to the elections at the Flame of Peace ceremony in Bouake is not sincere. The paper reads critics saying that President Gbagbo and his regime are the great beneficiaries in case there is no election in the coming years.

4. Le Jour Plus, a privately-owned daily close to the opposition, quotes in a banner headline Ambassador Hooks as saying : "Aubrey Hooks speaks to the Ivoirians." The paper cites the American diplomat as saying that Ivoirian should transform this flame of peace into a sustainable peace treasure.

5. After the memorable flame of peace ceremony in Bouake, Notre Voix, a privately-owned daily close to the ruling FPI, carries a banner headline as saying that Mr. Gbagbo was triumphantly welcomed at the Gesco corridor in Yopougon suburb. The paper also quotes the United States of America's Ambassador as saying that the Ivoirian crisis is going to an end. As the Diplomat is leaving post, he has encouraged the Ivoirian leaders to walk hand in hand to a solid peace.