Paris blames Gbagbo for closure of French banks in Cote d’Ivoire

Paris, France (PANA) - The temporary closure of French bank branches in Cote d'Ivoire are the consequence of the refusal of Laurent Gbagbo to leave office on account of the results of the 28 November presidential run-off elections, the deputy spokeswoman of the French Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Christine Fages, said Thursday in Paris, the french capital.

Speaking at a press briefing, she said the closures were "appropriate"following the post-election crisis in Cote d'Ivoire.

"France supports and enforces sanctions adopted by the EU against Gbagbo and his supporters," Fages said.

The International Bank for Trade and Industry in Cote d'Ivoire (BICICI), a branch of BNP PARIBAS, Societe Generale de Banque in Cote d'Ivoire (SGBCI), a branch of Societe Generale, have all suspended their activities in Cote d'Ivoire.

The international community has been putting pressure on Gbagbo to step down for Alassane Ouattara who was returned winner by the independent electoral commission.
-0- PANA SEI/ASA/ IBA/SMD/VAO 17Feb2011