SECRETARY-GENERAL CONCERNED BY RECENT INTIMIDATION,

 

VIOLENCE IN LEAD-UP TO SIERRA LEONE ELECTIONS

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General has been following closely the situation in Sierra Leone in the lead-up to the second round of presidential elections scheduled for 8 September.  He is deeply concerned about the recent incidents of harassment, intimidation and violence involving supporters of the two main Sierra Leone political parties and about the incidents of inflammatory rhetoric appearing in the local media.  He appeals to all Sierra Leone parties and their supporters to refrain from activities that could endanger peace and stability.  The Secretary-General applauds the recent national and regional initiatives to bring the two remaining candidates together and calls on the people of Sierra Leone to participate peacefully in tomorrow’s elections.  

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For information media • not an official record