SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES RESTORATION OF CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER, COMMENDS MEDIATION EFFORTS, IN SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE

SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES RESTORATION OF CONSTITUTIONAL ORDER,

COMMENDS MEDIATION EFFORTS, IN SAO TOME AND PRINCIPE

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the restoration of constitutional order in Sao Tome and Principe and commends regional and international mediation efforts for the success of the negotiations.

The Secretary-General commends, in particular, the efforts deployed by regional leaders and considers, in this regard, that the positive outcome of the crisis in Sao Tome and Principe reflects not only the will of African States to work together towards the settlement of crises affecting countries on the continent, but also their determination to promote and safeguard democracy.  The Secretary-General urges the head of State, political leaders and the people of Sao Tome and Principe as a whole to implement the provisions of the Peace Accord in a peaceful and consensual manner.

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