It also wanted a national unity government to be formed ahead of any new elections.

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He said on Thursday he was ready to drop the plan and called for unity in his party ranks ahead of a confidence vote on Friday.

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Mr Hassan said he intended to form a government of national unity, and confirmed presidential elections would go ahead in 2013 as planned.

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Today, and in the world ahead, a Dynamic Business is guided by the enduring belief in unity.

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The opposition again showed remarkable unity following the first round of voting in February, which put Mr Wade ahead, with 35%.

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