Washington, Mar 5: US Secretary of State Hillary Clinton has condemned Ivory Coast strongman Laurent Gbagbo and his forces for violence in the African nation and for a "callous disregard" for life.
"The United States calls for an immediate end to the violence," Clinton said in a statement that took aim at Gbagbo, who is resisting calls from the world community to hand the presidency to recognized November election winner Alassane Ouattara.
She said the "United States strongly condemns" attacks by Gbagbo's forces on his own people, including one Thursday on unarmed women demonstrators that left seven dead. His forces denied responsibility.
"Gbagbo and his forces have shown a callous disregard for human life and the rule of law, preying on the unarmed and the innocent. He should step aside immediately in the name of peace," she said. AFP
