Global General

US warns Cote d'Ivoire leader of sanctions

(Agencies)
Updated: 2010-12-10 12:34
Large Medium Small

WASHINGTON - The United States is threatening the president of Cote d'Ivoire with punitive sanctions if he does not step down from power after losing the West African nation's elections last month.

Related readings:
US warns Cote d'Ivoire leader of sanctions Security Council to meet again on Cote d'Ivoire
US warns Cote d'Ivoire leader of sanctions Cote d'Ivoire celebrates Pavilion Day

Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said Thursday that President Barack Obama delivered the warning in a letter sent this week to Cote d'Ivoire's President Laurent Gbagbo.

Gbagbo has refused to accept the results of the November 28 vote giving his opponent victory.

Clinton said Obama warned Gbagbo of "consequences" if he does not step aside and peacefully transfer power to his successor. State Department spokesman P.J. Crowley said the sanctions could apply to Gbagbo and others "if he makes the wrong choice." The US has joined the United Nations, European Union, African Union in calling for Gbagbo to step down.