Forces loyal to Ivory Coast's internationally recognized presidential election winner Alassane Ouattara have launched an assault on the presidential palace still held by Laurent Gbagbo.
Residents near the palace in the center of the main city, Abidjan, have fled the area. The United Nations' mission in the country says Gbagbo is in a bunker at the palace.
Meanwhile, French Prime Minister Francois Fillon said two generals close to Gbagbo were involved in negotiating his surrender.
Gbagbo's spokesman, Ahoua Don Mello, confirmed to Reuters that Gbagbo was negotiating his departure from power.
The assault on the palace was launched after UN and French helicopters targeted Gbagbo's military bases. The UN says Gbagbo's forces have been attacking UN personnel and facilities, and targeting civilians.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov today questioned the use of force by UN peacekeepers in Ivory Coast, saying their mandate requires them to be "neutral and impartial."
The conflict in Ivory Coast since last November's election has left more than 1,500 people dead, including hundreds who were reported killed in massacres last week.
compiled from agency reports
Residents near the palace in the center of the main city, Abidjan, have fled the area. The United Nations' mission in the country says Gbagbo is in a bunker at the palace.
Meanwhile, French Prime Minister Francois Fillon said two generals close to Gbagbo were involved in negotiating his surrender.
Gbagbo's spokesman, Ahoua Don Mello, confirmed to Reuters that Gbagbo was negotiating his departure from power.
The assault on the palace was launched after UN and French helicopters targeted Gbagbo's military bases. The UN says Gbagbo's forces have been attacking UN personnel and facilities, and targeting civilians.
Russian Foreign Minister Sergei Lavrov today questioned the use of force by UN peacekeepers in Ivory Coast, saying their mandate requires them to be "neutral and impartial."
The conflict in Ivory Coast since last November's election has left more than 1,500 people dead, including hundreds who were reported killed in massacres last week.
compiled from agency reports