S.Africa urges quick end to Ivory Coast violence

JOHANNESBURG, South Africa (Reuters) -- The South African government on Wednesday urged Ivorian politicians to restore calm urgently after an election outcome sparked violence.

"Given that Cote d'Ivoire is an essential economic pole in West Africa, its political stability is crucial for that sub-region and for Africa as a whole, and a hasty solution must be found by all stakeholders to normalize the situation in that country," the Department of Foreign Affairs said in a statement.

"The South African government calls on all leadership...to search for a peaceful and just solution to the political polarization of Cote d'Ivoire."

Ivory Coast's socialist leader Laurent Gbagbo said he would form a new government after his supporters took over the main city of Abidjan and drove military ruler General Robert Guei from power.

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