Ouattara supporters take control of Côte d'Ivoire embassy in Paris

[News_Editor]

Ouattara supporters take control of Côte d'Ivoire embassy in Paris

2010-12-28 16:52:10 GMT+7 (ICT)

PARIS (BNO NEWS) -- Supporters of president-elect Alassane Ouattara have taken control of the Côte d'Ivoire embassy in Paris until the ambassador designated by Ouattara arrives to the facility, the Le Monde newspaper reported on Tuesday.

Police told the newspaper that about thirty individuals are inside the embassy while twenty supporters are located outside the building. Police officers have blocked access to the building's entrance, located near the Place de l'Etoile.

The protest is headed by the RHDP, a France-based organization which supports Ouattara, the internationally-recognized winner of the presidential elections. RHDP also requested Embassy staff to stop working until the designated ambassador takes office.

"RHDP requested Embassy staff to stop working," said RHDP Secretary-General Karamoko Bouake, who is inside the building, as quoted by Le Monde. "The Embassy workers complied and left. There was no violence and we are waiting for the new ambassador's arrival."

Ouattara's camp intends to replace current ambassador Pedro Kipre, a close ally to incumbent President Laurent Gbabgbo. Bernard Valero, spokesman for the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said that they are aware of Ouattarra's intentions and the accreditation process is underway.

Current President Gbagbo was defeated during the presidential elections by former Prime Minsiter and opposition candidate Ouattara but rejected the results. He directed the Constitutional Council to annul votes in some regions and was declared winner afterwards.

The United Nations and the international community rejected Gbagbo's victory claims and since have repeatedly urged him to step down from the presidency. However, Gbagbo denied and fighting has erupted in the African country.

Gbagbo has the support from the Ivorian army and the control of the media. He also demanded the UN mission in the country (UNOCI) to leave but the UN denied and instead sent reinforcements to support Ouattara.

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