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More than 20 heads of state are preparing to attend the inauguration of Ivory Coast's President Alassane Ouattara. The ceremony aims to draw a line under six months of bloody unrest. Fighting broke out after Mr Ouattara's predecessor Laurent Gbagbo refused to admit defeat following last year's presidential election. Mr Ouattara has promised to promote reconciliation in the country, where ethnic divisions are marked. He took the oath of office two weeks ago. But this ambitious inauguration ceremony aims to reinforce his legitimacy as president after a violent power struggle with Mr Gbagbo. It is expected to be a demonstration of international backing: on the guest list is Nicolas Sarkozy, president of the former colonial power France, several African heads of state and the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon. It is also designed to build domestic support, or at least acceptance. Representatives from across the political spectrum have been invited, including members of Mr Gbagbo's party. The ceremony is meant to symbolise the beginning of a reconciliation process that is key to the country's recovery. Mr Ouattara is keenly aware that he won only a little more than half the vote, and the presidential stand-off reignited festering ethnic tensions, with human rights groups accusing both sides of killings, rape and other crimes.