U S Says Gbagbo Does Not Represent Ivorians

U.S. Secretary of State Hilary Clinton has said that the Outgoing Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo does not represent the interest of the Ivorian people.

“Gbagbo’s assertions that he represents the Ivorians are contradicted by his refusal to participate in the peaceful transition recommended by the African Union,” a statement quoted Clinton as saying.

The statement was issued by the U.S. Embassy in Cote d’Ivoire.

Gbagbo refused to hand over to presidential election winner, Alassane Ouattara, after the endorsements of the AU, ECOWAS, UN, EU and the U.S.

The statement said the inflammatory messages by Gbagbo betray his position as the president of the country.

“The inflammatory rhetoric of Gbagbo, including his recent call for civilians to take up arms against their countrymen, is in contrast to the appeal for calm and restraint by Ouattara, ‘’ the statement signed by Phillipp Grant said.

“Now it is time for all Ivorians to embrace the path of peace and unite to rebuild Côte d’Ivoire so that future generations can enjoy the stability and prosperity they deserve,” the statement said.

The statement said the U.S. condemns the continued attacks by Gbagbo’s supporters against unarmed civilians in Côte d’Ivoire.

“We call for an immediate end to this brutality, indiscriminate violence against civilians by Gbagbo is intolerable.

“ All individuals responsible for having ordered or carried out these heinous acts must answer for their actions,” the quotes Clinton as saying.