Obama welcomes end of Gbagbo's 'illegitimate claim to power' in Ivory Coast

Washington, Apr 12(ANI): United States President Barack Obama has welcomed the "decisive turn" of events in the Ivory Coast and the end of former President Laurent Gbagbo's "illegitimate claim to power" as a victory for democracy.

"For President Alassane Ouattara and the people of Cote d'Ivoire, the hard work of reconciliation and rebuilding must begin now," News.com.au quoted Obama, as saying in a statement.

US Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton said that Gbagbo's departure sends a message that dictators around the world will face consequences for failing to meet the expectations of their people.

Gbagbo was captured Monday following months of bloodshed in the West African country, as he sought to hold onto power despite losing to Ouattara in November's election.

Ouattara's forces took Gbagbo into custody after storming his compound.

"This transition sends a strong signal to dictators and tyrants throughout the region and around the world: they may not disregard the voice of their own people in free and fair elections, and there will be consequences for those who cling to power," Clinton said. (ANI)