International Criminal Court prosecutors said they will request authorization from judges to launch an investigation into possible war crimes committed in Ivory Coast, AP reported. Prosecutors have been conducting a preliminary probe into the West African nation since 2003, but it took on renewed urgency following violence that erupted after November's presidential election. Thousands of people were killed after former President Laurent Gbagbo refused to cede power to opposition leader Alassane Ouattara after losing the election. In May, Ouattara was finally sworn in and has asked the international court to investigate crimes committed by both sides during the postelection crisis. Prosecutors said Wednesday there is «a reasonable basis» to open an investigation. -- SPA
