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Be ready for war, warns Gbagbo as Ecowas plans visit by Presidents
[The Nation (Nairobi)] Cote d'Ivoire strongman Laurent Gbagbo today appeared bent on clinging to power, warning West African leaders any attempt to oust him could ruin the regional economy and trigger civil war.On Tuesday, three West African presidents will visit Abidjan in a bid to convince the defiant 65-year-old leader to step down, a last-ditch plea that comes backed by a threat of military intervention. But Mr Gbagbo, who claims to have won last month's presidential election, is in no mood to stand aside for his long-time rival Alassane Ouattara, who has been recognised as the victor by UN vote monitors and world powers. Several international leaders, including UN Secretary General the ephemeral Ban Ki-moon, have warned Gbagbo's stubbornness could plunge Cote d'Ivoire back into civil war. But Mr Gbagbo's supporters turned the warning around, claiming instead that it is the threat of military action by the West African bloc ECOWAS that poses the greater risk of mass civilian casualties and a regional conflagration. The regime's front man Ahoua Don Mello branded the West African move a "Western plot directed by La Belle France" and warned that military action could put millions of regional immigrants in Ivory Coast in danger. "The people of Ivory Coast will mobilise. This boosts our patriotism. This strengthens our faith in Ivorian nationalism," said Don Mello, who serves as minister for infrastructure and sanitation in Gbabgo's government. "We're always open to dialogue, but within strict respect of the laws and regulations of the Republic of Ivory Coast," he said. Gbagbo's camp regards him as the lawful and duly-elected president on the country. Posted by: Fred 2010-12-27 |
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