SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES OPPOSITION IN ZIMBABWE TO DEMONSTRATE PEACEFULLY, GOVERNMENT TO RESPECT FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, ASSEMBLY

SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES OPPOSITION IN ZIMBABWE TO DEMONSTRATE PEACEFULLY, GOVERNMENT TO RESPECT FREEDOM OF EXPRESSION, ASSEMBLY

The following statement was issued by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan on 2 June:

The Secretary-General has been following developments in Zimbabwe and is concerned about reports of the possibility of violence in connection with the mass action planned by the opposition Movement for Democratic Change (MDC) against the Government during the first week of June.

The Secretary-General urges the organizers of the mass action to ensure that their action remains peaceful and within the law.  He urges the Government of Zimbabwe to respect the basic principles of freedom of expression and assembly, as well as the human rights of those participating in the mass action, and to exercise maximum restraint in dealing with the situation.

The Secretary-General reiterates his continued support for and readiness to contribute to the search for a negotiated solution of the serious difficulties facing the country.

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