Besieged Gbagbo seeks safe passage

Gbagbo’s loyalist, General Philippe Mangou, head of the armed forces, called for a ceasefire following several days of heavy fighting in the largest city, Abidjan, of the West African country. Gbagbo, his family and loyalists are confined to the presidential palace. Gbagbo was negotiating his departure following a fierce assault by forces loyal to his presidential rival, Alassane Ouattara, backed by UN and French helicopter air strikes. French Foreign Minister Alain Juppe said that Gbagbo agreed to cede power after two of his generals had deserted him. Ouattara asked his forces to capture Gbagbo alive.