Secretary-General concerned about developments in Ukraine,

 

calls on all sides to adhere to democratic principles

 

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

The Secretary-General is concerned about developments in Ukraine, where a tense situation has emerged following the run-off presidential election held on 21 November.

While the United Nations is not in a position to comment on the conduct of the election, the Secretary-General believes a credible electoral process is critical to overcoming the current impasse.  He calls on all sides to exercise maximum restraint and to adhere to democratic principles, vital for the consolidation of democracy in Ukraine and the unity of the nation.

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