UN rights envoy in Abidjan to probe killing

The United Nations assistant secretary general for human rights was in Ivory Coast yesterday to evaluate the human rights situation after the alleged massacre of hundreds of civilians, a UN statement said.
Arriving Sunday, Ivan Simonovic "expressed deep concern over the deteriorating human rights situation marred by massacres in the west and numerous abuses against civilians," said the statement from the UN Mission in Ivory Coast (UNOCI).
"During his stay, Simonovic will meet with state authorities, political leaders and civil society in the country. He will also meet with the humanitarian community, the UN system and the diplomatic corps."
The UN and several aid agencies said hundreds of civilians were slaughtered when forces loyal to internationally recognised president Alassane Ouattara seized control last week of the western town of Duekoue from his rival Laurent Gbagbo.
Ouattara's camp denies involvement in the massacres as do Gbagbo's followers.