SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES HOLDING OF ELECTIONS IN SIERRA LEONE ON 14 MAY

SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES HOLDING OF ELECTIONS IN SIERRA LEONE ON 14 MAY

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General warmly welcomes the holding of presidential and parliamentary elections in Sierra Leone tomorrow, 14 May.  This marks an important milestone in the peace process.  The Secretary-General calls on all eligible Sierra Leoneans to exercise their right to vote in the same spirit of peace and tolerance, and wishes them every success in rebuilding their country.

He commends the Government of Sierra Leone, the National Electoral Commission and the political parties for the resolute efforts they have undertaken, with the full support of the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leone (UNAMSIL), to make the elections possible.  The Secretary-General also thanks the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), donor countries and organizations that have provided valuable assistance to the electoral process.

* *** *