December 10, 2010 -- The President of the Republic of Seychelles has added his voice to the call by the Economic Community of Western African States (ECOWAS) for Mr. Alasane Ouattara to be recognized as the legitimate winner of the recent Ivory Coast elections. 

The Republic of Seychelles has formally recognized Mr. Ouattara as the democratically elected leader of the Ivory Coast.

"African regional groupings are right to speak out in the name of fairness that the voice of the majority of Ivorian people be heard.  We hope that other African regional groupings, express their solidarity on the matter.  Seychelles believes that it is only through the respect of electoral processes and results that Africa can grow and thrive", the President has stated.

The President has also called on Mr. Laurent Gbagbo to respect the decision of the electorate and relinquish power peacefully.

In a statement, President Michel has said that Africa is the continent of growth and opportunity, and for this potential to be properly harnessed, peace and stability and good governance must be observed: "The recent events in Ivory Coast do not do justice to the Africa we want to see develop.  It is only through the respect of electoral processes and democracy that we will continue to progress and prosper.  Seychelles is committed to ensure that these principles are at the forefront of our foreign policy".