French Defense Minister Michele Alliot-Marie affirmed Monday France considers the government of Cote d'Ivoire was "legitimate" and called on President Laurent Gbagbo to stop his "calls for an anti-white attack".

In an interview with French daily Le Monde published on Monday and dated on Tuesday, the French defense minister said "we always consider that Ivorian regime is legitimate. The president was elected by the Ivorian people."

She added that in this case, Gbagbo should ensure his responsibilities, notably in the fields of public order and foreign citizens' protection.

Earlier in the day she told French Europe I radio that the first responsibility of the Gbagbo was to reestablish order in hiscountry and to stop his "calls for an anti-white attack".

She reiterated that France hoped for a UN vote for weapons embargo and the resumption of political process for Cote d'Ivoire.

Source: Xinhua