A recount of Ivory Coast's disputed presidential election would be a "grave injustice," the UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said in remarks made public Sunday in Addis Ababa.

"Reopening the results of the election would be a grave injustice and set an unfortunate predecent," Ban said during a close-door meeting late Saturday in the Ethiopian capital ahead of an African Union summit.

Ivory Coast has been gripped by a political crisis sparked by the disputed November presidential poll run-off. Results showed incumbent leader Laurent Gbagbo defeated by rival Alassane Ouattara to whom he has refused to relinquish power.

Gbagbo has previously called for a recount, a move rejected by Ouattara. Some African leaders against the use of force to dislodge Gbagbo have also called for an investigation into the disputed polls.

During the two-day Addis Ababa summit, African leaders will seek a common ground to end the Ivorian crisis.

The pan-African body on Friday announced the setting up of a five-member heads of state panel to make binding recommendations on the Ivory Coast rivals.

Ban underlined the importance of a "peaceful and honorable exit" for Gbagbo, and urged "President Ouattara to form a national unity government."

AU Commission chief Jean Ping said Saturday the panel would help Ouattara "exercise power" through a negotiated deal.

Source: AFP