LOC19:57
16:57 GMT
BRUSSELS, Dec 4 (KUNA) -- European Commission President Jose Manuel Barroso
expressed deep concern here Saturday over the events in Ivory Coast.
Barroso's remark came after Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo was sworn in
for a new term, despite the fact that the country's electoral body declared
that last Sunday's run-off poll was won by opposition leader Alassane Ouattara.
"I am deeply concerned by the evolution of events in Ivory Coast. I call on
all political forces to respect the electoral outcome, to show responsibility
and to refrain from any act of violence," he said in a statement.
The head of the EU's executive body said he has taken note of the United
Nations' statement, which confirmed Ouattara as the winner of the presidential
elections in Ivory Coast.
"This fact has also been confirmed by the African Union, as well as by the
Economic Community of the West African States. I want to join the
International Community in congratulating Mr. Alassane Ouattara and I
compliment him as the legitimate winner of these democratic elections,"
Barroso stated. (end)
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