Secretary-General Suspends Technical Assistance for Elections in Honduras

 

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

The Secretary-General has decided to suspend temporarily the technical assistance currently provided by the Organization to the Supreme Electoral Tribunal of Honduras.  He does not believe conditions are currently in place for the holding of credible elections that would advance peace and stability.

The United Nations is concerned about the current situation and allegations of human rights violations in Honduras, and urges adherence to international human rights treaties and conventions ratified by Honduras and respect for the inviolability of Brazil’s diplomatic mission in Tegucigalpa.

The Secretary-General is convinced that an end to the crisis in Honduras requires a consensual agreement and supports regional mediation efforts to that end.  He joins the Organization of American States and regional leaders in calling for an agreement and urges all political actors to redouble efforts to find common ground through peaceful dialogue.  The United Nations stands ready to assist in this process.

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For information media • not an official record