CONCERNED BY TENSION, SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES RESPECT FOR LIBERIA POLL RESULT

CONCERNED BY TENSION, SECRETARY-GENERAL URGES RESPECT FOR LIBERIA POLL RESULT

The following statement is attributable to the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is concerned about the recent disturbances in Monrovia and the tensions resulting from protests by supporters of the Congress for Democratic Change (CDC) against the results of the run-off presidential election of 8 November.  The Secretary-General calls on the leaders and supporters of the CDC to respect the internationally certified results of the election and adhere to universally accepted standards of democratic governance and the rule of law.

The leadership of the CDC and their followers should refrain from any violence, which is absolutely unacceptable, and allow any complaints to go through the full legal process set out in Liberia’s electoral legal framework.  The Secretary-General calls on all Liberians to work together in charting a course for political stability, social and economic development, and the strengthening of the rule of law in their country.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record