Fears of fresh violence after clashes in Ivory Coast

There are fears fresh violence could erupt in Ivory Coast after forces loyal to the two men claiming the country’s presidency clashed in the streets of the commercial capital yesterday, killing at least 20 people.

Explosions and gunfire were heard throughout Abidjan _ once known as the «Paris of Africa» for its cosmopolitan nightlife.

An errant rocket-propelled grenade struck an outer perimeter wall of the U.S. Embassy, but no injuries were reported and the damage was minor.

Ivory Coast has been operating with two presidents and two governments since a disputed Nov. 28 runoff election.

Alassane Ouattara was declared the winner by the country's electoral commission and was recognized by the U.N., U.S., France and the African Union as having beaten incumbent Laurent Gbagbo.

The next day, however, the constitutional council overturned the results after invalidating a half-million votes from Ouattara strongholds.

The United Nations called all parties to show restraint and to remain calm.
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