SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES PEACEFUL ATTITUDE DURING BOLIVIA’S UPCOMING REFERENDUM

SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES PEACEFUL ATTITUDE DURING BOLIVIA’S UPCOMING REFERENDUM

Following is the text of a statement attributable to the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is following with great interest the upcoming referendum on 18 July 2004 concerning the abrogation of the national hydrocarbons law, as well as the key principles for the management of the gas sector in the future.

The Secretary-General considers that the upcoming referendum gives Bolivians the opportunity to participate in the decision-making process on an issue that is important to their country’s development.  He urges all Bolivians to maintain a peaceful and constructive attitude during the coming days.

The Secretary-General emphasizes that the United Nations will continue to be engaged in supporting all Bolivians in the search for peaceful and democratic solutions to the problems in their country.

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