Switzerland has agreed to recognize only an Ivory Coast ambassador appointed by the rival of the incumbent president, Laurent Gbagbo.
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The foreign ministry said the decision was in line with the policy of most members of the international community following the victory of Alassane Ouattara in November’s presidential elections.
The ministry added that it has received no formal request from Ouattara’s government for a new ambassador to Switzerland.
The ministry also called on both sides involved in a power struggle in the West African country to find ways of ending the standoff.
Protestors in Bern and Geneva on Wednesday called for the current Ivory Coast ambassador to Switzerland to step down.
World powers and African countries want Gbagbo to cede power to Ouattara. A mission by three African presidents failed, but more talks are scheduled next week.
On Wednesday, France announced the 27-nation European Union agreed to recognize only ambassadors appointed by Ouattara.
His rival Gbagbo threatened he would he would cut ties with countries which take such a decision.
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