WASHINGTON – U.S. Senator Chris Coons (D-Del.) today released the following statement on the situation in Cote d’Ivoire.
“I am deeply concerned about the violence perpetrated in Cote d’Ivoire, which has led to the deaths of hundreds and relocation of tens of thousands of people. Four months after the African Union and United Nations certified the free and fair elections in Cote d’Ivoire and recognized the victory of Alassane Ouattara as President, it is time for Laurent Gbagbo to cede power and direct the military to lay down its arms. I support the United Nations’ peacekeeping mission and welcome President Ouattara’s pledge to ensure accountability for those who have targeted innocent civilians, who have suffered greatly as a result of the violence directed by Gbagbo. At this critical juncture, I strongly urge all parties to choose a path toward reconciliation and reunification that will lead to a more secure and stable future for the Ivoiran people.”
Senator Coons is a member of the Senate Foreign Relations Committee and is chair of the Subcommittee on African Affairs.
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