KCNA on I Ivory Coast

Cote d′ Ivoire Situation Instable

Pyongyang, February 19 (KCNA) -- The political situation in Cote d′ Ivoire has remained instable, drawing attention of the international community. The political turmoil and conflict have continued for two months after the presidential election, badly affecting the social stability and the local people′s living. The Independent Electoral Commission of Cote d′ Ivoire in early December last year declared ex-Prime Minister Alassane Quattara′s victory in the presidential runoff held in late November. Next day, however, the Constitutional Council invalidated the results and declared incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo winner. Gbagbo, refusing to hand over the presidency to Quattara, was sworn in as president on December 4. On the same day, Quattara did the same, making the two rivals claim the presidency in the country. As a result, the political forces were divided into two to conflict with each other, causing disorder in the country. According to an announcement of the United Nations, the conflict claimed 260 lives and compelled some 29 000 people to leave the country as of January 20 this year. News analysts are of the view that the tragedy is a result of Cote d′ Ivoire having blindly introduced the western-style "democracy" in the country, disregarding its own specific features and conditions. Pressurized by the West, the country held a presidential election based on a multi-party system in 1990. Since then, political instability has persisted in Cote d′ Ivoire, entailing bloodshed after presidential elections. It has resulted in economic depression and impoverished life of the people. In a nutshell, the western-style "democracy" has brought sufferings to the nation, not "freedom" and "democracy". -0