20110325
presstv
The leaders of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) have called on the UN to take stricter measures and push for Ivorian President Laurent Gbagbo's resignation.

Members of the ECOWAS wrapped up a two-day summit in the Nigerian capital, Abuja, on Thursday. They demanded urgent action by the UN to end post-election violence in Ivory Coast.

The African Union, the United States and the European Union have recognized Alassane Ouattara as the rightful winner of November presidential vote. However, Gbagbo has defiantly refused to cede power, triggering a bloody violence in the country.
"[ECOWAS] requests the UN Security Council to strengthen the mandate of the UN operation in Ivory Coast enabling the mission to use all necessary means to protect life and property and to facilitate the immediate transfer of power to Mr. Alassane Ouattara," the statement said.

The African body has also called for more international sanctions on Gbagbo and his associates to pressure him out of power.

The expected sanctions include blocking the assets and banning travels, a measure previously taken by the US and the EU.

French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe has also urged the UN Security Council for a “more efficient role” in Ivory Coast, saying the UN mission in the African country is authorized to use force.

AU President Jean Ping has expressed regret over the violence in Ivory Coast, saying military intervention “might” be the only possibility to end the crisis.

A recent UN report says political unrest in Ivory Coast has claimed at least 462 lives.