20110115
reuters

BRUSSELS (Reuters) - The European Union on Friday formally approved toughened sanctions against Ivory Coast leader Laurent Gbagbo and 84 supporters over his refusal to step down after a disputed election, diplomats said.

The sanctions, which involve visa bans on Gbagbo and his supporters and the freezing of their European assets, also cover freezing the assets of 11 economic entities linked to the government, the diplomats said.

The steps were initially agreed by the 27 EU states at the end of last month, and will take affect from Saturday after publication in the EU's official journal, they said.

The EU first imposed sanctions on Gbagbo and his backers in December to force him into relinquishing power after the November 28 election that world powers and African neighbours say he lost to his rival candidate, Alassane Ouattara.

Despite Western sanctions and a threat of force from African leaders if he does not quit, Gbagbo has defied international pressure to step down.

Analysts say Gbagbo could hold out for several months before he feels full the pinch of international attempts to squeeze him financially, but they may still be the most effective tactic available to oust him.

The United Nations human rights office said at least 247 people have been killed in violence in Ivory Coast since the disputed election.