Foreign Office advise Britons to leave Ivory Coast

Britons have been warned to leave Africa's Ivory Coast, due to the "deteriorating security situation".

The Foreign Office issued the warning as it announced that the British embassy in the West African country would close today.

Minister for Africa, Chris Mullin, said that the decision was made due to the "uncertain" security situation and because the Foreign Office would not be able to protect staff or British nationals in the event of an outbreak of violence. However, Mr Mullins also said that the decision was made because of a "lack of progress in the peace process".

He said: "Until all parties genuinely commit to finding a political solution, there is little point in us remaining; the risk is just too high."

A UN-held 'Zone of Confidence' has divided the Ivory Coast since a failed coup attempt was staged in 2002. The north of the country is now under rebel control, while the government controls the south. Around 6,000 UN peacekeepers are deployed in the country, along with 4,000 French troops.

Nine French peacekeepers were killed in clashes between government troops and pro-government militias in September last year. Attacks were also carried out on foreign businesses and residences, which led to an evacuation of around 8,000 foreign nationals by the French and other governments. The British embassy was also evacuated and UK forces participated in the evacuation.

However, the Foreign Office have no stressed that there will be "no repeat" of the evacuation which took place last year and warned that the French and other governments may not be able to mount such a rescue attempt this time.

The Foreign Office has "strongly advised" all British nationals to leave the Ivory Coast.

There are known to be around 146 British nationals and those from countries using British consular services registered in the main city of Abidjan.

(KMcA/SP)