Brussels, 17/12/2010 (Agence Europe) - As tension mounts in Côte d'Ivoire where clashes are to be deplored between the followers of Laurent Gbagbo, the self-proclaimed president, and those of the democratically elected Alassane Ouattara, the European Council condemned, on Friday, the “violence perpetrated since the second round of the presidential election in Côte d'Ivoire, in particular the recourse to violence against civilians on 16 December”. In their conclusions, the 27 EU leaders call on all parties to show restraint and point out that the International Criminal Court has expressly recalled its availability to prosecute the persons responsible. They also call on “all Ivorian leaders, both civilian and military, who have not yet done so, to place themselves under the authority of the democratically elected president, Mr Alassane Ouattara”. The European Council also confirms the determination of the EU to take targeted restrictive measures against those who would continue to obstruct the respect of the sovereign will expressed by the Ivorian people.
The same day, Catherine Ashton, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, made a further appeal for calm. A statement published on Friday 17 December by Ashton's department states: “The High Representative is concerned about the increasing tensions in Côte d'Ivoire and deplores the victims of violence during the recent demonstrations. She calls all parties to remain calm and keep their self control. She recalls that the final responsibility for the political crisis lies with those who prevent a rapid and peaceful transfer of powers to the President elect Alassane Ouattara”.
Catherine Ashton points out that a first list of persons to be the subject of European sanctions, as decided by the Council on 13 December, is under preparation. “The High Representative supports the effort made by the African regional organisations, in particular Messrs Ping's and Gbeho's ongoing mission to Abidjan, aiming at a rapid and non violent handover of powers”, the statement reads.
Speaking to the press, French President Nicolas Sarkozy had tough words about Laurent Gbagbo and his spouse. “They have their destiny in their hands. If, by the end of the week, Laurent Gbagbo has not left his post, thus being in breach of the will of the Ivorian people, then he and his spouse will be on the list of those liable to sanctions”, he said, thereby putting an end to Paris' reported hesitation on this subject. He went on to say: “What is happening is unacceptable. It is scandalous that Laurent Gbagbo should hold on to power and that his followers should fire on innocent bystanders”. According to the French president, “there is no other possibility for Gbagbo but to leave his usurped position of power as soon as possible”. (A.N./transl.jl)