20101223
africanews

The US President, Barrack Obama held a telephone conversation with President Goodluck Jonathan of Nigeria over the crisis in Ivory Coast, commending the role played by Nigeria and the Economic Community of West African States [ECOWAS] in resolving the Ivorian crisis.
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"The President congratulated President Jonathan for Nigeria’s resolute leadership in standing squarely behind the people of Cote d’Ivoire and insisting that the internationally-recognized results of the November 28 election be respected," a white house statement on the telephone conversation said.

"The President expressed admiration for the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States [ECOWAS] in this regard, and informed President Jonathan about the steps the United States has taken recently, including our imposition of travel sanctions on persons supporting or benefiting from former President Gbagbo’s efforts to retain power."

President Obama and his Nigerian counterpart subsequently agreed to continue consulting on the issue, which the statement says is so important to regional stability and democratic governance.