The international community is adding to the pressure on defiant Ivory Coast leader Laurent Gbagbo as he tries to withstand a military assault by opponents.
The European Union on Wednesday banned its members from buying bonds or securities from the Gbagbo government or providing it with loans.
The legislation, passed by the European Union Council, makes exemptions for funds to be used for humanitarian purposes.
The EU previously adopted a travel ban and asset freeze against Mr. Gbagbo and some of his aides. On Wednesday, it added one individual to the list of people subject to those sanctions.
The EU, along with the United Nations, African Union, and West African bloc ECOWAS, has demanded that Gbagbo cede power to rival Alassane Ouattara, who most countries recognize as the winner of last year's presidential election.
Some information for this report was provided by AP, AFP and Reuters.
