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EU diplomat in Ivory Coast killed EU diplomat in Ivory Coast killed
(10 minutes later)
A French diplomat working for the European Union in Ivory Coast has been killed by unidentified gunmen.A French diplomat working for the European Union in Ivory Coast has been killed by unidentified gunmen.
The victim was in charge of security for EU missions in West Africa, a French embassy spokesman said.The victim was in charge of security for EU missions in West Africa, a French embassy spokesman said.
He was shot dead overnight at his home in the country's main city Abidjan. It is not known whether the incident was a robbery or a political act.He was shot dead overnight at his home in the country's main city Abidjan. It is not known whether the incident was a robbery or a political act.
Ivory Coast has been split in two since rebels seized the north in 2002, and the peace process is currently stalled.Ivory Coast has been split in two since rebels seized the north in 2002, and the peace process is currently stalled.
France retained strong ties with its former colony - long regarded as a haven of stability in West Africa - for decades after independence in 1960.France retained strong ties with its former colony - long regarded as a haven of stability in West Africa - for decades after independence in 1960.
But relations between Paris and the government of President Laurent Gbagbo became tense after the September 2002 coup attempt by northern rebels - known as the New Forces.But relations between Paris and the government of President Laurent Gbagbo became tense after the September 2002 coup attempt by northern rebels - known as the New Forces.
Bad blood
The president's supporters have accused Paris of supporting the insurgents.The president's supporters have accused Paris of supporting the insurgents.
The man was named as Michel Niaucel, 53. Many in France see President Gbagbo as an obstacle to peaceIn late 2004, nine French soldiers were killed in a raid by Ivorian planes against rebel positions.
The incident prompted strikes by France against the Ivory Coast's tiny air force and anti-French riots in Abidjan.
There are more than 10,000 French and UN troops in Ivory Coast - most patrolling the ceasefire line between the northern and southern parts of the country.
But plans announced last October to disarm militias and carry out a population census to prepare for elections have failed to get off the ground.
The diplomat killed on Wednesday was named as Michel Niaucel, 53.