Results of vote in Parliament

Following the debate which was held in plenary on 15 December 2010, the European Parliament adopted a resolution on the situation in Côte d'Ivoire.

The text adopted in plenary was tabled as a joint resolution by the EPP, S&D, ALDE, Greens/EFA, ECR and GUE/NGL.

Members recall that the serious political and institutional crisis which has engulfed the country followed the second round of voting in November 2010. Côte d'Ivoire's Independent Electoral Commission (CEI) announced that Ouattara had won the elections, but the country's Constitutional Council overturned the result, claiming that fraud had occurred in some areas, and declared Gbagbo to be the winner.

They consider that the sole source of democratic legitimacy is universal suffrage, the results of which have been certified by the UN, and call therefore on Mr Gbagbo to step down and hand over power to Alassane Ouattara.

Parliament urges all the political and armed forces in Côte d'Ivoire to respect the will of the people that was reflected by the results of the 28 November poll and deplores the violent clashes that preceded the proclamation of the results of the second round of presidential elections as well as the political obstruction and attempts to intimidate CEI members.

Parliament is deeply concerned by the current post-electoral political deadlock prevailing in the country, as well as by the reported acts of violence involving, in some instances, the Ivorian security forces.

It deplores the violence which has occurred and considers that it is a priority to protect the civilian population. It calls on all parties concerned in Côte d'Ivoire to avoid any risk of an escalation of tension and to prevent any confrontation.

Parliament strongly condemns the acts of intimidation directed against the European Union's observers in Côte d'Ivoire and deplores the suspension of the nongovernmental media in the country.

Lastly, Parliament supports the EU decision to impose sanctions against Laurent Gbagbo and welcomes the EU Council decision to adopt targeted measures against those who are obstructing the process of peace and national reconciliation, and in particular those who are jeopardising the outcome of the electoral process. It calls on HR/VP Catherine Ashton to present as soon as possible new initiatives to support the democratically elected authorities in Côte d'Ivoire.

T7-0492/2010

Debate in Parliament

B7-0707/2010

B7-0716/2010

B7-0721/2010

B7-0722/2010

B7-0723/2010

B7-0724/2010

RC-B7-0707/2010

The Council exchanged views on the situation in Côte d'Ivoire following the recent presidential election. It adopted the following conclusions.

Emphasising the importance of the presidential election held on 31 October and 28 November for the return of Côte d'Ivoire to peace and stability, the Council recall that the sovereign wish expressed by the Ivorian people be respected.

It expresses its full support for the action of the United Nations in Côte d'Ivoire and congratulates Mr Alassan Ouattara on his election as President of the Republic of Côte d'Ivoire. The Council calls for calm and responsibility, so that there can be a peaceful handover of power. It supports the firm and clear decisions in favour of democracy taken by the African Union and ECOWAS, as set out in the United Nations Security Council press statement of 8 December 2010.

The Council has considered how to react to the situation in Côte d'Ivoire. It has decided to adopt without delay targeted restrictive measures against those who are obstructing the process of peace and national reconciliation, and in particular who are jeopardising the proper outcome of the electoral process. Those measures will include a visa ban and an assets freeze. They will particularly target those leading figures who have refused to place themselves under the authority of the democratically elected President, of whom an initial list should be adopted rapidly.

The European Union has also decided to take measures in support of the democratically elected authorities. To this end, the Council invites the High Representative, with the support of the Commission, to make proposals to this effect.

The Council calls on all Ivorian leaders, both civilian and military, to work for a peaceful and rapid solution to the crisis and to ensure the security of the whole population, both Ivorians and foreigners. All those who use violence to oppose the democratic choice of the Ivorian people will be held responsible for their actions.