French President Nicolas Sarkozy said Friday was "very concerned about the situation in Côte d'Ivoire," where violence increase, and indicated intent to apply for a strengthening of the UN force in the country (UNOCI).
The French President considered "scandalous" firing with heavy weapons "against innocent civilians" during a press briefing on the sidelines of an EU summit in Brussels.
"But there is a UN force" on the spot, "he said.And the purpose of the resolution intends to propose France "will ask the UN force to prohibit at least the heavy weapons in Abidjan," he said.
The West African leaders on Thursday urged the UN to strengthen the mandate of its mission in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI) and to impose sanctions "more binding" against the incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo.
After a two-day ordinary summit in Abuja, Heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS, 15 countries), made the call while post-election crisis in Côte d'Ivoire worsens and there are fears a civil war.
UNOCI, 10,000 men strong, is in a delicate situation.Under fire from supporters of Gbagbo, who demands his immediate departure, designating it as an "enemy of Côte d'Ivoire" and biased, it is regularly the target of their attacks.
The mission also came under strong criticism recently from the camp of Alassane Ouattara, President recognized by the international community, who urged him to "take action" and "use of legitimate force" to protect civilians caught in the violence.
Since the presidential election of November 2010, 462 people were killed according to the UN, including 52 during the past week.
The international community press for months and unsuccessfully Laurent Gbagbo to cede the presidency to his opponent.
