irishspirit
2nd January 2011, 19:19
The first recognised ambassador of Ivory Coast's internationally-backed president Alassane Ouattara says United Nations has to act to prevent 'genocide' in his country.
The first recognised ambassador of Ivory Coast's internationally-backed president Alassane Ouattara says United Nations has to act to prevent 'genocide' in his country.
The envoy, Youssoufou Bamba, made the plea after handing over his credentials to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
Mr Ban promised the UN would co-operate fully with Alassane Ouattara's government. Mr Ouattara is in a tense standoff with Laurent Gbagbo, who refuses to recognise the victory of his rival in Ivory Coast's 28 November presidential election.
The ambassador said Mr Ouattara had 'real concern' about attacks on his supporters.
According to UN rights officials, at least 173 people were killed in attacks between 16 and 21 December.
The victims were only killed 'because they wanted to demonstrate, they want to speak out, they want to defend the will of the people,' Mr Bamba told reporters.
http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/1230/ivorycoast.html
The first recognised ambassador of Ivory Coast's internationally-backed president Alassane Ouattara says United Nations has to act to prevent 'genocide' in his country.
The envoy, Youssoufou Bamba, made the plea after handing over his credentials to UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon.
Mr Ban promised the UN would co-operate fully with Alassane Ouattara's government. Mr Ouattara is in a tense standoff with Laurent Gbagbo, who refuses to recognise the victory of his rival in Ivory Coast's 28 November presidential election.
The ambassador said Mr Ouattara had 'real concern' about attacks on his supporters.
According to UN rights officials, at least 173 people were killed in attacks between 16 and 21 December.
The victims were only killed 'because they wanted to demonstrate, they want to speak out, they want to defend the will of the people,' Mr Bamba told reporters.
http://www.rte.ie/news/2010/1230/ivorycoast.html