EU Considers Sanctions On Cote D'Ivoire

EU Considers Sanctions On Cote D'Ivoire

European Union is considering imposing sanctions on Cote d'Ivoire , putting pressure on incumbent Laurent Gbagbo to relinquish power after a disputed presidential election.

Foreign ministers said on Monday, any EU move would likely target Gbagbo and his supporters, who have claimed victory in the November 28 election over challenger Alassane Ouattara, despite Ouattara being declared the winner by the Ivory Coast election commission.

The US has also threatened to take measures against Gbagbo, with President Barack Obama writing to say he would support efforts to isolate him if he refused to quit.

"There is a strong possibility of sanctions," Finnish Foreign Minister Alexander Stubb told reporters before a regular meeting of EU foreign ministers in Brussels .

EU diplomats said sanctions would likely target his supporters and include visa bans and asset freezes.

Cote d'Ivoire , the world's top cocoa producer, has been in turmoil since last month's poll, which was meant to reunify the country after a 2002-03 civil war.

World leaders and regional bodies have recognised Ouattara as president, and the African Union has suspended  Cote d'Ivoire until Gbagbo quits.

Gbagbo has been in power since winning a disputed election in 2000, when thousands of his supporters took to the streets to help oust military coup leader Gen. Robert Guei, who was accused of trying to rig the poll.

NAN/Yinka