Hamadoun Touré: « We are calling for dialogue »
Nord Sud (pro-Prime Minister's Office) - « The United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) continues to insiste on the preservation of the achievements made in the electoral process. A new appeal in this regard was made yesterday by the Spokesman of the UN institution. « There have been considerable achievements with regard to the electoral process and we cannot afford the luxury of losing these achievements. Once again we are calling for calm and serenity and we are counting on the Ivorians to ensure that this appeal is heard and we can overcome this without much consequence » said Hamadoun Touré during UNOCI's weekly press conference. (...). « The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Côte d'Ivoire, Y.J. Choi, is maintaining close contacts with the Ivorian protagonists to ensure that the country comes out of this impasse without any prejudicial consequences to the peace process,» said Hamadoun Touré who earlier gave « political, logistical and even diplomatic reasons » to justify the refusal by the international community to hold an inquiry into the 429,000 people as requested by Prime Minister, Guillaume Soro.

Crisis-resolution: GBAGBO calls for calm
Fraternité-Matin -« The Spoeksman of the President of the Republic read a press statement yesterday on television during the 8 o'clock news. Gervais Coulibaly recalled that following the dissolution of government and the Independent Electoral Commission, on Friday, 12 February, the head of state instructed Prime Minister Soro Guillaume to form a new government as soon as possible. Notably on Monday, 15 February. This date has not been respected. « The date of Thursday, 18 February was also announced as the date that the first council of ministers of the new government will be held", said Gervais Coulibaly. But there was a second postponement. While waiting for the formation of the new government, «(...) the President of the Republic is calling on the population and the Ivorian political actors to do nothing that would hinder the crisis-resolution process. The President of the Republic calls on all Ivorians to remain calm and serene », said the statement. [...] »

Prime Minister: We will do everything to ensure that nobody is left out
Fraternité-Matin -« As you have noticed I am in Yamoussoukro for a working session with the head of state. (...) I must tell you that during this working session with the head of state, we asked him for an additional 48 hours to allow us to finalise consultations which we had started. (...) But what is important is for everyone to stay calm, as they say, no sacrifice is too much in the search for peace in your country. (...) We are going to continue our discussions and I ask Ivorias not only to stay serene but to remain hopeful. We will do everything to ensure that nobody is left out. [...] »

Street demonstrations - the RHDP's decision continues and reaches several towns in the interior of the country to the great displeasure of the FDS - Mangou's warning
Fraternité Matin - "The chief of the Forces de Défense et de Sécurité (FDS), General Philippe Mangou, yesterday warned political groups (namely the Rally of Houphouetists for Democracy and Peace (RHDP), which he did not refer to by name) and all Ivoirians who say they no longer recognize the President of Republic's authority, following the latest decisions made by the Head of State. And who are calling for street demonstrations. (...) he warned that the army will defend the integrity of the State and the republic's institutions "at any time and everywhere". [...]"

Formation of the new government - why it is not RHDP's priority
Fraternité Matin - "[...] we could accuse the Houphouetists of running for everything except for government; simply because the formation of this new team will delay many things, particularly the crisis-resolution process. (...) it is public knowledge that the formation of a new government will modify the electoral timetable. Why would the RHDP which is calling for the holding of the presidential elections run for the formation of a government knowing that this could delay and even adversely affect the crisis-resolution? (...) Finally, the RHDP demands the posting of the definitive electoral list, with the distribution of the national identity cards and voting cards as well as the beginning of the electoral campaign. [...]

The RHDP holds meetings in Yopougon; Minister Ahoussou Kouadio Jeannot (chief of delegation): "within three days Côte d'Ivoire will be liberated"
Le Patriote - "Yopougon, Figayo place. Thursday, 18 February, 04.15 PM. The seven canvas covers on this vast premises are full of people. (...) The PA system transmits in turn, "On est fatigué" by Lago Paulin and "Quitte le pouvoir" by Tiken Jah Fakoly. Women are dancing. (...) Mr. Ahoussou Kouadio Jeannot, with a firm tone and a steady voice, states: "When the sun rises, Gbagbo will run away", he says, before launching an appeal to RHDP's activists to unite in solidarity. "The RHDP is a political reality in Côte d'Ivoire. We will have a single political party, soon. And Ahoussou Kouadio says: "With Gbagbo, milk, fish and water ... are rotten. Everything is rotten. Within three days Côte d'Ivoire will be liberated ».
He advises the police to remain republican and not to block the development of democracy, before warning » « we had warned all the human right organizations. Anyone who attacks Ivorians will appear before the TPI (International Criminal Tribunal)".