Secretary-General Welcomes Adoption of New Constitution in Côte d'Ivoire, Urges All Parties to Pursue Political Dialogue on Holding Legislative Elections

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

The Secretary-General welcomes the announcement of the adoption of the new Constitution in Côte d'Ivoire by the Commission Electorale Indépendante, following the constitutional referendum held on 30 October.  He notes with satisfaction that the new Constitution addresses some of the long-standing causes of tension and divisions in Côte d’Ivoire.

The Secretary-General encourages all Ivorian parties, especially political leaders and their supporters to reject violence and refrain from the use of inflammatory and incendiary language.  He urges them to resolve any differences or disputes through constitutional means and pursue a political dialogue focused on the holding of open, free and fair legislative elections in the weeks ahead.

The Secretary-General reaffirms the continued commitment of the United Nations, through his Special Representative and Head of the United Nations Operation in Côte d’Ivoire, to support the consolidation of peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire.