SG/SM/7650
AFR/280

SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES DISMAY AT DISQUALIFICATION OF CANDIDATE FROM CÔTE D’IVOIRE ELECTIONS

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary- General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General is dismayed by the decision of the Ivorian Supreme Court to disqualify Alassane Ouattara from participating in the 10 December election, which has led to a decision by the Rassemblement des Republicains to withdraw from the elections. He has, throughout, been of the view that only an election with the broadest possible participation will serve the cause of democracy and stability in Côte d’Ivoire.

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United Nations