Accra, April 21, GNA - The Ministry of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration on Thursday said Ghana's Embassy in Abidjan had not been closed down although non-essential staff had been evacuated. In a statement issued in Accra, it said due to the fast deteriorating security situation in Cote d'Ivoire, particularly in Abidjan, the government, 93in accord with other diplomatic missions, finds it necessary to evacuate non-essential staff of the Embassy and to operate with only a minimal staff suited to performing the special duties required of the Mission at this time".

The Ministry said the security situation in Abidjan, the main city in Cote d'Ivoire, was under constant review and as soon as there was an improvement, staff of the Embassy who were evacuated would return to Abidjan to resume their functions.

Abidjan was a theatre of war between forces of former President Laurent Gbagbo and President Alassane Ouattara as the power struggle between them intensified.

Former president Gbagbo was captured on April 11 but residents say the city is still unsafe. 21 April 11