IVORY COAST PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

Motion Text

That this House notes the victory of Laurent Gbagbo from the Ivorian Popular Front in the presidential elections of 22nd October in the Ivory Coast; notes also that these elections were carried out in accordance with the constitution adopted after the referendum in July 2000; condemns the actions of outgoing President General Robert Guei in refusing to accept the legitimate will of the Ivorian people by declaring himself elected as president; deplores the human rights violations of his military regime, including the extra-judicial killings and terror which have taken place since his coup d'etat of 24th December 1999; calls on Her Majesty's Government to press for an independent judicial inquiry so that those responsible for these violations are brought to justice; and urges Her Majesty's Government to ensure stability in the region by strengthening the new administration of Laurent Gbagbo with financial assistance and co-operation to restore confidence in the Ivorian economy.