SECRETARY-GENERAL C0NGRATULATES LEBANON FOR SUCCESSFUL PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

SECRETARY-GENERAL C0NGRATULATES LEBANON FOR SUCCESSFUL PARLIAMENTARY ELECTIONS

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

The Secretary-General congratulates the people and Government of Lebanon for their successful parliamentary elections, whose fourth and final round concluded yesterday.  Preliminary reports, including that of the United Nations electoral assistance team in Lebanon, indicate that the elections were technically well conducted and credible.  It appears that they were carried out in a free and non-violent environment.

The holding of these elections on time and in a credible manner has been a key element in a transition in whichthe Lebanese people have been expressing their determination to shape their own future, strengthen political institutions and restore their full sovereignty.  The Secretary-General commends the outgoing Government on the excellent manner in which it has handled its electoral responsibilities, and stands ready to extend support and assistance to the new Government, as and if required.

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