SECRETARY-GENERAL STRESSES IMPORTANCE OF PEACEFUL, TRANSPARENT

ENVIRONMENT IN ADVANCE OF JANUARY ELECTIONS IN BANGLADESH

 

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

The Secretary-General has been following with concern developments in Bangladesh ahead of the January 2007 elections.  He wishes to underscore the importance of a peaceful and transparent environment, so that these important elections can enjoy the full confidence of the people of Bangladesh.  To offer continued United Nations support to the process, a senior United Nations official, Craig Jeness, will be visiting Bangladesh between 29 November and 1 December on behalf of the Secretary-General.  He will meet with the head of the caretaker Government and other senior officials, election authorities, representatives of the country’s political parties and non-governmental organizations.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record