Towards a list of Ivorian leaders banned from staying

The European Union is said to be about to approve a list of 18 names, senior Ivorian officials who "block the transfer of power to the democratically elected president" according to a European diplomat. They would be banned from visas and their assets blocked. A 19th name could be added to the list, that of the Ivorian leader Laurent Gbagbo, himself. Several States are pushing in this direction, in particular Germany or the United Kingdom. But France seems rather reserved on this path, according to European sources, leaving him a way out, to leave on his own. The publication of this list is expected next week.

Other more financial sanctions are expected, in particular the decision of the BCEAO, Central Bank of West Africa, to recognize only the legitimate power of Cote d'Ivoire and thus block access to credit for Gbagbo. Which could "drain Gbagbo's financial resources and his ability to pay his supportersAnother step could be taken next week with the transfer of Cote d'Ivoire's BCEAO headquarters to Ouattara's new government.

(updated, Monday 12:30 p.m.) Laurent Gbagbo and his wife are on the list of people banned from staying and whose assets can be seized confirmed, Monday noon, the spokesperson for Cathy Ashton.