26/10/2000 (Agence Europe) - Following the latest developments in the Ivory coast (see yesterday's EUROPE, p.8), and the proclamation of the election of President Laurent Gbagbo, EP President Nicole Fontaine made a further declaration in Strasbourg on Thursday in which she notes that, defying the trickery and intimidation, the people has spoken in the Ivory Coast and overthrown the junta in power". "I hope that the Ivory Coast manages to recover its position, which is that of a place of economic growth, from which all West Africa benefits. I hope that the Ivorians also recover social peace, in which all communities will have their place. (…) For its part, the European Union will contribute through its cooperation policy", she said.