EP-voorzitter Buzek over het arrest van voormalig leider Ivoorkust Gbagbo(en)

Commenting on the news of the reported arrest of Laurent Gbagbo, the President of the European Parliament Jerzy Buzek i said:

"I regret that the full transfer of power to Alassane Ouattara could only be achieved at the price of human lives and of a grave humanitarian crisis. This crisis could have been avoided if Laurent Gbabgo had accepted the will of his own people, as freely expressed at the ballot boxes.

The people of Côte d'Ivoire are, finally, closer to achieving what was ultimately the aim of the November elections: an end to the military and political crisis that has gripped Côte d'Ivoire since 2002. The people of Côte d'Ivoire have long suffered from the irresponsible actions of its political class. They now deserve to see their aspirations met - aspirations of a lasting peace and the development of strong democratic institutions.

We welcome Alassane Ouattara's will to bring peace and justice to Côte d'Ivoire. He should now confirm his statesman qualities and take concrete steps to foster national reconciliation, including amongst the armed forces. At the same time, he should ensure that the perpetrators of crimes against civilians are duly brought to justice.

The international community, and the EU in particular, will continue to support the people of Côte d'Ivoire on their journey towards democratic development and prosperity."