SECRETARY-GENERAL ‘GRAVELY CONCERNED’ BY CONTINUING VIOLENCE IN BOLIVIA, CALLS FOR MAXIMUM RESTRAINT BY GOVERNMENT, OPPOSITION

SECRETARY-GENERAL ‘GRAVELY CONCERNED’ BY CONTINUING VIOLENCE IN BOLIVIA,

CALLS FOR MAXIMUM RESTRAINT BY GOVERNMENT, OPPOSITION

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

The Secretary-General is gravely concerned by the continuing violence in Bolivia, which has led to many deaths in the past several days.  He calls upon the Government of Bolivia and the opposition to exercise maximum restraint at this very dangerous time and to settle their differences through peaceful means and dialogue.  There must be full respect for human rights, above all the right to life.

In order to address the very serious social and economic problems confronting the country, democratic institutions must be preserved and strengthened and the rule of law must prevail.  This is the only way to ensure peaceful development for the benefit of all Bolivians.

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