LOC23:38
20:38 GMT
WASHINGTON, Dec 14 (KUNA) -- The Obama administration said Tuesday that
Cote DIvoire may face economic sanctions unless President Laurent Gbagbo
gives up his seat to president-elect Alassane Ouattara.
"We are continuing to encourage President Gbagbo to step down and pave the
way for an orderly transition," said State department spokesman Philip Crowley.
"We are looking for ways of, if necessary, putting pressure on him and
those around him who are denying the will of the people of Cote DIvoire. So
that is something that is certainly an option thats available to us," Crowley
said of the possibility of sanctions, adding that will remain a possibility
depending on the decisions that he makes.
Cote DIvoire government says it will take control of state institutions by
the end of the week if incumbent president, Laurent Gbagbo, who also claimed
victory in last month's election, continues to refuse to step down.
Meanwhile, the European Union has ramped up international pressure Monday
by approving financial and travel sanctions on Gbagbo and his allies if he
continues to cling to power. (end)
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