United Nations:
The UN Security Council has unanimously approved a resolution demanding an immediate end to the escalating violence in Ivory Coast. It also imposes sanctions on Laurent Gbagbo, who has refused to relinquish the presidency.
Wednesday's council vote comes five days after France and Nigeria introduced a draft resolution expressing "grave concern" that the West African nation could relapse into civil war.
The resolution urges all Ivorian parties to respect the election of Alassane Ouattara as president.
It condemns Gbagbo's decision not to accept Ouattara's election and urged him "to immediately step aside."
The resolution slaps a travel ban and asset freeze on Gbagbo, his wife, and three key aides.