Representatives of embattled Ivory Coast strong man Laurent Gbagbo are reportedly negotiating the terms of his surrender, as forces loyal to internationally recognized president Alassane Ouattara have reportedly entered the gates of his heavily-armed residence.
In talks at the French ambassador's residence in Abidjan, Ouattara's camp is reportedly insisting that Gbagbo, currently hunkered down in the basement of his compound, recognize the result's of last year's election, which Ouattara won with 54 percent of the vote. But in an interview with a French radio station, a man claiming to be Gbagbo said he would never recognize the vote. Another key question is whether Gbagbo will remain in the country, be put on trial, or allowed safe passage to another country.
Gbagbo's forces have attempted to spin the latest developments in the crisis as a foreign invasion, accusing French forces of leading the attack on the presidential residence. French forces in the country say that while they bombarded Gbagbo's armaments on Monday to prevent attacks on civilians, they did not take part in the assault of the residence.
Libya: NATO promised to protect Libyan civilians, responding to accusations from rebel forces that it wasn't doing enough to stop Qaddafi's warplanes. The organization has accused the Libyan government of using human shields to thwart airstrikes.
Source: Foreign Policy (FP)
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