Concerned about Gabon Disturbances, Secretary-General Urges Calm, Restraint

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

The Secretary-General takes note of the preliminary results of the 30 August presidential elections announced by the electoral authorities of Gabon (CENAP).  He expresses concern over reports of disturbances in some regions of the country, and urges calm and restraint by all concerned so that tensions do not escalate.  He calls on the Gabonese political leaders to refrain from any action which could jeopardize the peaceful conclusion of the electoral process.  The Secretary-General urges all the presidential candidates and their supporters to resolve any electoral grievances through legal and institutional channels, and calls for any such complaints to be reviewed and adjudicated in a fair and transparent manner.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record