"From this day, the qualification of war zone attributable to a part of Ivorian territory is no longer applicable," Infrastructure Minister Patrick Achi said over state television.

"There is no longer any war zone," he said.

The conflict has split this west African country in two since September 19 with the rebels controlling the northern half and key areas in the south.

However, following protracted peace talks, the rebels joined a new unity government.

On Saturday, the Ivory Coast armed forces and three rebel movements behind the country's seven-and-a-half month civil war agreed to a sweeping ceasefire which covers the entire country.

The pact also contains a clause that provides for the disarmament of mercenaries and armed groups operating on both sides.

WAR.WIRE