Gbagbo unmoved by international pressure to quit

Despite a call for a general strike in Ivory Coast by presidential claimant Alassane Ouattara, there is little sign that it has been widely followed.

The man recognised internationally as the winner of the recent presidential election wants the country paralysed until his isolated rival stands down.

Ouattara is under UN protection in Abidjan.

The UN, EU, US, the African Union and the West African bloc, ECOWAS, all say Laurent Gbagbo lost the November 28th election.

The incumbent leader says he is taking seriously a threat by his neighbours to use force to oust him, adding that he will welcome a delegation due to visit this week.

But he remains unmoved. “I’m not looking for compromise,” he said. Gbagbo argues the election was rigged and accuses the US and France of plotting against him. “I don’t want compromise,” he says, “I want the truth”.

France says any decision on military intervention in Ivory Coast would have to be taken by the UN or African organisations.

Italy says it is sending medical supplies to the region, following reports that thousands are trying to flee Ivory Coast to escape political violence.

Gbagbo claims the refugees are his supporters fearing reprisals.

The EU has already set aside five million euros to deal with a potential humanitarian crisis in neighbouring countries.

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