General strike to begin in Ivory Coast amid dispute over presidency

Alassane Ouattara, the man widely recognized as the Ivory Coast's legitimate leader following a November 28 presidential run-off election, has called for a strike beginning Monday to force incumbent Laurent Gbagbo out of power, Ouattara's spokesman said.
The country has been paralyzed by a political stalemate, and scores of people have died in violence there. International powers, such as the United States, the United Nations and the African Union, have recognized Ouattara as the winner and are urging Gbagbo to cede power. Gbagbo has not stepped down.
A few deaths have been reported among the refugees, including a child who drowned during the crossing of the Cestos River into Butuo. Observers saw malnourished children and people with malaria, respiratory infections and diarrhea.