"Gbagbo Threatens Western Journalists"

"Ivory Coast's incumbent president is warning international journalists they will be considered “accomplices to terrorists” if they do not present a more balanced picture of the country's political crisis.

Laurent Gbagbo said Tuesday in a statement read on state television by his spokesman that international media are making up atrocities committed by his supporters. For example, the statement said journalists fabricated reports security forces shelled civilians in an Abidjan neighborhood last week. The United Nations has said the attack could constitute a crime against humanity.

Mr. Gbagbo also accused the media of failing to report killings and other crimes committed by supporters of his rival, Alassane Ouattara.

Mr. Ouattara has been recognized by the United Nations and the African Union as the winner of last November's presidential election, but Mr. Gbagbo has refused to relinquish power.

Since the election, supporters of the rival presidents have engaged in intense fighting, sparking fears that Ivory Coast may be on the brink of a renewed civil war.

Earlier Tuesday, the U.N. peacekeeping mission in Ivory Coast said forces loyal to Mr. Gbagbo are repairing an attack helicopter and preparing multiple rocket launchers for use.

The mission called the weapons “a grave threat to the civilian population” and warned Gbagbo forces that the U.N. would act if such weapons are used.

Earlier, Mr. Ouattara called on the United Nations to authorize “legitimate force” to protect civilians.

The U.N. says more than 435 people have been killed in post-election violence.

Aid groups say about 90,000 people have fled to neighboring Liberia and some 300,000 have been displaced in the main commercial city of Abidjan.
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http://blogs.voanews.com/breaking-news/2011/03/22/gbagbo-threatens-western-journalists/