Secretary-General Expresses Support for Certification by Special Representative

of Presidential Election Results in Côte d’Ivoire

 

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

The Secretary-General supports today’s certification by his Special Representative of the result of the 28 November run-off presidential election in Côte d’Ivoire.  He accepts his Special Representative’s analysis and evaluation, taking into account all aspects of the outcome of these elections is in accordance with the announcement made by the President of the Independent Electoral Commission on 2 December.  The Secretary-General commends the people of Côte d’Ivoire for their active participation in these historic presidential elections.

The Secretary-General congratulates Alassane Ouattara of the Rassemblement des Houphouëtistes pour la Démocratie et la Paix (RHDP) on his election and calls upon the President-elect to work towards lasting peace, stability and reconciliation in Côte d’Ivoire.

The Secretary-General also calls upon President Laurent Gbagbo to do his part for the good of the country and to cooperate in a smooth political transition in the country.

The Secretary-General wishes to emphasize that the will of the Ivorian people must be respected, and calls upon all Ivorians to accept the certified outcome and to work together in a spirit of peace and reconciliation for the stability and prosperity of their country.   All persons must refrain from any violence or action that would cause any disruption in society.  The Secretary- General warns those who may incite or perpetrate violence that they will be held accountable.

The Secretary-General assures the people of Côte d'Ivoire that the United Nations Operation in Côte d'Ivoire (UNOCI), in cooperation with the international community, will undertake all possible actions, within its mandate to preserve peace and security in the country.  He also wishes to emphasize that the United Nations remains deeply committed to supporting the successful conclusion of the Ivorian peace process in all its aspects, and looks forward to working closely with the President-elect and the future Government of Côte d’Ivoire to this end.

The Secretary-General commends the efforts of all those who have worked tirelessly in support of the political process in Côte d’Ivoire.  The Secretary-General also commends the work of UNOCI and the United Nations Country Team, under the leadership of his Special Representative Mr. Y.J. Choi.

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For information media • not an official record