Ecowas leaders discuss restive Mali and Guinea BissauBy TERRENCE SESAY in Monrovia | Thursday, June 28  2012 at  19:25

The Economic Commission of West African States (Ecowas) is holding a two-day summit in the Ivorian capital Yamoussoukro whose agenda includes the restive situation in Mali and Guinea-Bissau

Ecowas has taken an active role in resolving the problems in the two countries, which were recently affected by military coups.

Liberia President Ellen Johnson Sirleaf is among the leaders in attendance.

According to a presidential press statement issued in Monrovia Thursday, discussions at the Ordinary Summit would also cover the presentation and consideration of the 2012 Interim Report of the President of the Ecowas Commission.

The report includes that of the 68th Ordinary Session of the Ecowas Council of Ministers and that of the 11th Extraordinary Session.

The heads of state and government are also expected to decide on a venue and date of the 42nd Ordinary Summit of the regional organisation.

The President of the Ecowas Commission, Mr Kadrė Dėsirė Ouėdraogo, was expected to be sworn in at the opening ceremony Friday.

The Chairperson of the African Union Commission, Dr Jean Ping, who ended a two-day visit to Liberia Thursday, and the Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for West Africa, Mr Said Djinit, were also expected to make statements at the opening ceremony.