Mediator Leaves Ivory Coast with No Breakthrough

The African Union mediator to Ivory Coast's political crisis has left the country with no apparent breakthrough in the electoral dispute, saying the standoff between rival

governments may not end peacefully.

Kenyan Prime Minister Ralia Odinga left Abidjan after what he says were extensive discussions with both incumbent President Laurent Gbabgo and the internationally-recognized winner of November's vote, former prime minister Alassane Ouattara.
Odinga says the breakthrough needed to resolve Ivory Coast's political crisis did not happen.
"One of the principle goals of my mission was to convince Mr. Gbagbo to accept that he needed to put his presidency on the agenda for discussions," said Odinga.  "In addition, it was imperative that a blockade at the Golf Hotel be lifted.  Mr. Gbagbo gave me an assurance that this blockade would be lifted yesterday at midday but he broke that promise for the second time in two weeks."
Troops loyal to Mr. Gbabgo are blocking access to the Golf Hotel, where Mr. Ouattara has been living since the United Nations certified electoral commission results that say he won the vote.
Mr. Gbagbo claims he was re-elected when his political allies on the constitutional counsel annulled enough Ouattara votes to put Mr. Gbagbo ahead.
The African Union, the United Nations, the European Union, and the United States recognize Ouattara's victory and say Gbagbo must leave.
The Economic Community of West African States says it is considering military action to remove Gbagbo.
Odinga says if the crisis is not resolved, there will be additional economic and financial sanctions and possibly the use of force.
"Time is running out for an amicably negotiated settlement," added Odinga.  "In addition, the window of opportunity for any amnesty will continue to close if Mr. Gbagbo's supporters continue to commit crimes against civilians and peacekeepers."
U.N. Secretary General Bank Ki-moon says U.N. staffers are being attacked by Gbagbo security forces and allied militia.
Mr. Odinga's African Union mission left Ivory Coast for further talks with heads of state in Ghana, Angola and Burkina Faso. (From VOA)