Clinton: Gbagbo Arrest in Ivory Coast Sends Message to Dictators

WASHINGTON -- Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton says the arrest of Ivory Coast strongman Laurent Gbagbo sends a strong signal to dictators and tyrants about the consequences of ignoring the people's will.

Gbagbo lost the election Nov. 28 and was arrested Monday when forces backing the internationally recognized winner Alassane Ouattara stormed his bunker.

Clinton said dictators should take notice that they cannot disregard "the voice of their own people in free and fair elections." She said there will be consequences for those who cling to power.

International Criminal Court prosecutor Luis Moreno-Ocampo has begun preliminary examination of possible war crimes and crimes against humanity in Ivory Coast, including accusations against forces seeking to install Ouattara.