Brussels, 21/03/2011 (Agence Europe) - On Saturday 19 March, the day after civilians were massacred by the forces of Laurent Gbagbo, the self-proclaimed president of Côte d'Ivoire, a spokesperson for EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton talked tough, reminding Gbagbo and his forces that the United Nations has already “warned that the recent killings could constitute crimes against humanity.”
In a statement published on behalf of the EU, the high representative's spokesperson said: “Yesterday (Ed: Friday 18 March 2011) security forces loyal to the incumbent president, Laurent Gbagbo, launched a heavy artillery attack on innocent civilians in a market in Abidjan. The high representative condemns in the strongest possible terms this criminal attack, which claimed the lives of more than 25 people and wounded 40-60 others. This marks a steep escalation of violence, in stark contrast with last week's decision of the African Union, which reaffirmed the victory of President Ouattara. The high representative is deeply concerned about the escalating violence and urges all parties to refrain from violence against civilians and for Laurent Gbagbo to transfer power immediately to the president elect. The high representative is committed to working with the international community to ensure that those responsible for such killings and other human rights abuses inflicted upon the civilian population will be identified and held accountable for their crime, including at international level.” (A.N./transl.fl)