UK urges disputed Côte d'Ivoire President Gbagbo to step aside

[News_Editor]

UK urges disputed Côte d'Ivoire President Gbagbo to step aside

2010-12-27 00:52:04 GMT+7 (ICT)

LONDON (BNO NEWS) -- The United Kingdom on Sunday urged disputed Côte d'Ivoire President Laurent Gbagbo to step aside as tensions in the African country continue to rise.

Côte d'Ivoire has been thrust into political uncertainty and violence after president Laurent Gbagbo refused to concede electoral defeat in last month's run-off elections. The UN and the international community has endorsed the victory of opposition leader and President-elect Alassane Ouattara, despite Gbagbo's claim to have won.

"The UK is deeply concerned about the ongoing political crisis in Côte d'Ivoire, the risk of serious instability and the impact on those who have fled the country," said UK Foreign Secretary William Hague. "We believe that former President Gbagbo must step aside and accept the results of the Presidential elections."

Hague said the United Kingdom is echoing the calls of West African leaders for a 'swift and peaceful' transfer of power, although reports claim up to 200 people have already been killed in election-related violence.

"The people of Côte d'Ivoire do not deserve to be denied democracy, suffer violence or be forced to flee their country as refugees," Hague added. "Former President Gbagbo has a chance to bring this crisis to a peaceful conclusion."

On Thursday, the United Nations accepted the credentials of new representatives of Côte d'Ivoire, which were appointed by Ouattara. "This important decision reflects the united position of the international community with respect to the legitimacy of the new government led by President Ouattara," the United Nations said.

Gbagbo, however, continues to have the support of the country's armed forces.

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