UK Foreign Office removes Côte d'Ivoire Ambassador

[News_Editor]

UK Foreign Office removes Côte d'Ivoire Ambassador

2011-01-01 05:47:33 GMT+7 (ICT)

LONDON (BNO NEWS) -- The United Kingdom Foreign Office (FCO) on Friday removed Ambassador for Côte d'Ivoire in order to recognize the one designated by President-elect Alassane Ouattara.

The FCO informed Ambassador Philippe D Djangone-Bi that he was withdrawn from his position to the UK as it will be moving to recognize the appointee of Ouattara in the usual manner. This decision was also taken in order to increase pressure on former President Gbagbo to desist power.

The European Union Council previously decided to accept the Ambassadorial appointments of the winner of the presidential elections, Alassane Ouattara, in all EU member states. It was also agreed that Ambassadors who were appointed by Gbagbo would no longer have diplomatic status, immunities or privileges.

Last week, the UK Foreign Secretary William Hague said that the country was deeply concerned about the current crisis in the West African nation. Hague also joined the call for former President Gbagbo to desist power and accept the presidential election results.

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

Opposition candidate Ouattara was democratically elected president of Côte d'Ivoire and defeating incumbent President Gbagbo. However, Gbagbo rejected the results, despite being ratified by the United Nations and the international community.

Gbagbo ordered the Constitutional Council to review the results and to annul votes in some regions after alleging fraud. Then, the Council changed the results and thus caused controversy and anger. The crisis has escalated into violence and Gbagbo has denied desisting power.

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