Secretary-General Says Allowing Former Kyrgyz President to Leave Is Important Step

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the arrangement between the Provisional Government of Kyrgyzstan and former President Bakiyev that has enabled him to leave the country.  The Secretary-General believes that this is an important step towards the peaceful, stable, prosperous and democratic development of the country and its good governance.  The United Nations, together with its international and regional partners, is ready to work with the authorities in Bishkek for the benefit of the people of Kyrgyzstan.

The Secretary-General underlines the importance of universal respect for the principles of international humanitarian and human rights laws and of justice and accountability.

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For information media • not an official record