New sanctions on crisis-hit Ivory Coast
06 April 2011
New sanctions have been imposed on the Ivory Coast by the Council of the European Union in response to the political and humanitarian crisis there.
The EU has banned the purchase of bonds and securities from and the provision of loans to what it described as the "illegitimate government of Laurent Gbagbo". There are exemptions in the legislation to ensure humanitarian funds are available.
It has also added another individual to the list of people subject to an assets freeze and visa ban because they are "deemed to be obstructing the peace" and "committing human rights violations".
Gbagbo has denied reports that he has surrendered to forces loyal to president-elect Alassane Ouattara – whose victory in last November's election has been endorsed by the United Nations. Gbagbo said he was only negotiating a ceasefire.
On Monday night French and UN forces opened fire on Gbagbo's arms stockpiles and bases in an attempt to bring the dispute to an end.
The EU has banned the purchase of bonds and securities from and the provision of loans to what it described as the "illegitimate government of Laurent Gbagbo". There are exemptions in the legislation to ensure humanitarian funds are available.
It has also added another individual to the list of people subject to an assets freeze and visa ban because they are "deemed to be obstructing the peace" and "committing human rights violations".
Gbagbo has denied reports that he has surrendered to forces loyal to president-elect Alassane Ouattara – whose victory in last November's election has been endorsed by the United Nations. Gbagbo said he was only negotiating a ceasefire.
On Monday night French and UN forces opened fire on Gbagbo's arms stockpiles and bases in an attempt to bring the dispute to an end.
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