...

UN warns Ivory Coast against attacks on UN personnel

Other News Materials 19 December 2010 11:35 (UTC +04:00)

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon on Saturday warned Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo that he would suffer "consequences" if his military supporters attack UN personnel there, dpa reported.

Ban said the UN Security Council planned to meet Monday to discuss the political chaos in Ivory Coast and review the mandate of the UN mission, which will expire on December 31, 2010.

"There will be consequences for those who have perpetrated or orchestrated any such actions or do so in the future," Ban said.

Gbagbo continues to cling to power despite losing the November 28 election to opposition leader Alassane Ouattara, according to the UN, the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States.

Gbagbo responded by demanding the withdrawal of UN personnel.

"Any attack on UN forces will be an attack on the international community and those responsible for these actions will be held accountable," Ban said.

"Any continued actions obstructing and constricting UN operations are similarly unacceptable. The UN mission in Ivory Coast will fulfil its mandate and will continue to monitor and document any human rights violations, incitement to hatred and violence, or attacks on UN peacekeepers."

Ban said he was "deeply concerned" by recent attacks on a UN patrol and sentries at its headquarters in Abidjan, and blamed "security forces apparently loyal to Mr Gbagbo."

The UN chief said another attack on Saturday targeted UN military observers that injured two.

The mission is composed of nearly 10,000 military and civilian personnel deployed in 2002 following the civil war that resulted splitting the country into rebel-held north and government-led south.

Tags:
Latest

Latest