The Amsterdam condom shop De Condomerie will send 2,000 blue condoms to the UN peacekeeping force in Ivory Coast on Tuesday. The condoms have been printed with texts such as 'Make love not war' and 'Blue helmets for Ivory Coast'.

The company intends to sell its 'blue helmets' as souvenirs to UN soldiers to focus attention on a peaceful solution to the conflict. The proceeds will go to local NGO Sape Moderne which will use the money to fund HIV/AIDS prevention projects and a football tournament.

Since November, Ivory Coast has been in the grip of an impending civil war between ruling President Laurent Gbagbo and his elected successor Alassane Ouattara. The conflict was sparked by President Gbagdo's refusal to step down in favour of his rival.

(gsh/js)

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