Cote d'Ivoire: U.S. Urges Gbagbo to Avoid More Civilian Casualties

Washington — The Obama administration says Côte d'Ivoire's Laurent Gbagbo is in "a weakened position" as forces loyal to internationally recognized President Alassane Ouattara gain control over more areas of the country, and urges Gbagbo to seize the opportunity to step down from power in a manner that would avoid additional harm to civilians.

Speaking in Washington March 31, Assistant Secretary of State for African Affairs Johnnie Carson called on all sides to exercise restraint, saying they should make the protection of civilians "their highest priority." The Ivorians have "already paid a very high price for democracy," he said.

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