The European Parliament adopted a resolution on the situation in Côte d'Ivoire.
The resolution was tabled by the S&D, ALDE, Greens/ALE, EPP, and ECR groups.
It condemns the attempts by ex-President Gbagbo and his supporters violently to usurp the will of the Ivorian people, reiterating its call on Mr Gbagbo to step down and immediately hand over power to Alassane Ouattara. Members welcome, in that connection, the adoption of Resolution 1975(2011), in which the UN Security Council made its strongest statement since the beginning of the post-electoral crisis in Côte d'Ivoire, calling on Mr Gbagbo to step aside immediately. They deplore the fact that no diplomatic solution, including those advocated by the African Union, has been found and that violence and armed confrontation has been a feature of the post-electoral crisis.
Parliament also condemns in the strongest possible terms the escalation of violence in Côte d'Ivoire, in particular the use of heavy weapons against civilians, and the ensuing considerable loss of life. Members insist that there can be no impunity and that no efforts should be spared in order to identify and bring to justice, including at international level, all those responsible for crimes against the civilian population. They welcome the establishment of a commission of inquiry by the UN Human Rights Council; and note that the UN Security Council has indicated that the International Criminal Court will decide whether it has jurisdiction over the situation in Côte d'Ivoire. Members also welcome the additional targeted sanctions, comprising a visa ban and an asset freeze, imposed by the UNSC, the AU and the Council of the EU on all persons and entities that oppose the legitimate President's authority, and the decisions taken by the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, which have refused to deal with the illegitimate government. These sanctions are to remain in place until the return of legitimate authorities to power.
Parliament commends and supports the mediation efforts conducted under the auspices of the AU and ECOWAS with a view to preventing confrontation, and reiterates its calls to all political forces in Côte d'Ivoire to demonstrate their commitment to a peaceful democratic political transition and thus avoid further bloodshed. It expresses its support for the AU plan for an overall peaceful solution to the crisis, and stresses that all African countries must show unity and act in a concerted way, so that peace can be restored in Côte d'Ivoire. Parliament also calls on President Ouattara to facilitate peace and national reconciliation, whilst recalling that that there is no statute of limitations for war crimes and crimes against humanity.
Parliament is deeply concerned at the worsening humanitarian situation in Côte d'Ivoire and neighbouring countries, especially Liberia, and welcomes the commitment given by the EU, as expressed by Commissioner Georgieva, to help resolve the humanitarian crisis. It emphasises the need for swift international political action and prevent a new migration crisis in the region. The Commission and Member States should coordinate their efforts with other international donors. Parliament calls on the international community to honour the pledges of humanitarian aid in order to respond to the urgent needs of the population of Côte d'Ivoire and its neighbouring countries. It calls on all actors in Côte d'Ivoire to ensure safe and unhindered access to all parts of the country for humanitarian organisations on the ground.