SECRETARY-GENERAL WELCOMES KYRGYZSTAN’S PEACEFUL, CREDIBLE PRESIDENTIAL ELECTIONS

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the peaceful conduct of the presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan on 10 July 2005.  Preliminary reports indicate that the elections were held in a credible manner and with strengthened commitment to upholding international standards.  The holding of these elections is an important step in the consolidation of political institutions in Kyrgyzstan.  The Secretary-General looks forward to partnership and cooperation with the new Government.

* *** *