UN chief shows support for Ivorian presidential election results

UN Secretary-General Ban Ki- moon supports the certification of results of the Nov. 28 runoff presidential election in Cote d'Ivoire, his spokesman, Martin Nesirky said in a statement issued here Friday.

"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 Dec. 2," said Nesirky.

Cote d'Ivoire's presidential elections have been delayed since 2005 due to tension between the rebel-held north of the country and the south, which engaged in a civil war beginning in 2002.

According to the statement, the secretary-general congratulates the president-elect of Cote d'Ivoire, Alassane Ouattara on his victory, and calls on the current president, Laurent Gbagbo to allow for a "smooth political transition" in the West African nation. He also urged the people of Cote d'Ivoire to help keep the transition peaceful.

"All persons must refrain from any violence or action that would cause any disruption in society," said Nesirky. "The secretary-general warns those who may incite or perpetrate violence that they will be held accountable."

The secretary-general's statement also took the opportunity to reaffirm the commitment of the UN Operation in Cote d'Ivoire ( UNOCI) to peace and security in the country, as well as the commitment of the UN as a whole to see the Ivorian peace process to successful completion.

Source: Xinhua