20110318
reuters

UNITED NATIONS, March 18 (Xinhua) -- UN Security Council on Friday condemned the brutal attacks against unarmed civilians in Cote d'Ivoire, stressing the perpetrators must be held accountable.

The members of the Security Council "express their indignation at the UNOCI reports over brutal attacks against unarmed civilians allegedly committed by the Ivorian Defense and security forces (FDSCI) at a market in Abobo yesterday, killing up to 30 people and wounding up to 60 others," said the elements to the press released here Friday night.

The Council stressed that such crimes shall not remain unpunished and that the perpetrators must be held accountable, said the elements, adding that the Council condemned "violence committed by any Ivorian party against unarmed civilians."

The attacks are the latest violent acts in a difficult period for Cote d'Ivoire, which began after incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo contested a Nov. 28 runoff presidential election in Cote d'Ivoire despite the stance of the international community that his opponent, Alassane Ouattara, was the rightful victor.

As a result, Gbagbo's forces have prevented Ouattara's government from taking office and carried out attacks against civilians and UN peacekeepers stationed in the country.

The Council reiterated their "deep concern about the continuing post-electoral crisis in Cote d'Ivoire and its negative humanitarian consequences" on the civilian population including refugees and internally displaced persons, the elements said.

The Council further reiterated their determination to "impose measures, including targeted sanctions, against those who impede the peaceful resolution of the crisis, obstruct the work of UNOCI (UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire) and other international actors in Cote d'Ivoire or commit violations of human rights and international humanitarian law."