Gbagbo Forces Fire on UN Team Seeking Belarus Helicopters
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Forces loyal to Ivory Coast’s incumbent leader, Laurent Gbagbo, fired today on United Nations officials seeking to confirm delivery to the airport in Yamoussoukro of three attack helicopters from Belarus.
The UN said in a statement yesterday that Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon learned with “deep concern” about the arrival of the first shipment of components for the helicopters, which were said to have been sent to support Gbagbo’s bid to remain in office. Their arrival would be a violation of the UN arms embargo imposed on Ivory Coast in 2004, the statement said.