UN calls for investigation of Ivory Coast deaths

United Nations (UN) secretary general, Ban Ki-Moon has urged the Ivory Coast's internationally-backed president to investigate hundreds of deaths which have been blamed partly on his supporters.



Mr. Ban says he is concerned and alarmed by reports from the town of Duekoue, but President Alassane Ouattara says his supporters were not involved. UN forces in the town are guarding tens of thousands of civilians who have taken refuge in a church compound.



In the main city of Abidjan, fighting has continued between rival troops.

Mr. Ouattara's forces have beaten back supporters of his rival, incumbent Laurent Gbagbo, to a few key locations, but witnesses say the city is quieter.