Feb 17, 2011 7:16 AM | By Sapa-AFP
Ivory Coast strongman Laurent Gbagbo is not welcome in Canada, says the country's top diplomat while commending the African Union's support for his rival Alassane Ouattara.
"Furthermore, all persons found to be involved in the subversion of the democratically elected government of the Ivory Coast, and those found responsible for gross human rights violations or war crimes, would be inadmissible to Canada."
In addition to the travel restrictions, Cannon said Ottawa was exploring with its allies "further measures" against Gbagbo and his entourage "as long as they continue to defy the democratic will of the Ivorian people".
An African Union five-member heads-of-state panel this week is aiming to resolve a two-month-old power struggle between incumbent strongman Gbagbo and Ouattara, the internationally recognised winner of disputed November elections.
The AU last month reaffirmed its recognition of Ouattara as president elect and said it would seek to help him "exercise power" through a negotiated political deal.
Cannon said Ottawa looks forward to the AU panel's recommendations.
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