Britain recognizes Ouattara as Ivory Coast leader

CNN News, By the CNN Wire Staff, January 6, 2011

STORY HIGHLIGHTS

• Britain "does not accept the validity of statements made by others," the foreign office says
• The announcement came after British and Canadian envoys were expelled
• There is no immediate reaction from Canada

London, England (CNN) -- The British government announced Thursday that it has recognized Alassane Ouattara as the democratically elected president of Ivory Coast, the Foreign and Commonwealth Office said.

Laurent Gbagbo pressured to step down

"It recognizes the legitimacy of statements made by or on behalf of his government," the statement said. "The British government does not accept the validity of statements made by others."

The announcement was made shortly after representatives of self-proclaimed President Laurent Gbagbo said he had expelled the envoys of Britain and Canada.

"It's in response to reports in the press that our high commissioner has been de-recognized," said Nicole Davidson of the Foreign and Commonwealth Office.

Britain's representative to Ivory Coast, Nick Westcott, lives in Ghana, she said.

Canada's foreign office did not immediately return a call.

Independent election observers and the international community have recognized Ouattara as the winner of last November's runoff election. But Gbagbo, who has called for a recount, refuses to step down.

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