BAN PRESSES BOLIVIANS TO ENSURE RECALL REFERENDUM IS CARRIED OUT PEACEFULLY

BAN PRESSES BOLIVIANS TO ENSURE RECALL REFERENDUM IS CARRIED OUT PEACEFULLY New York, Aug 8 2008 1:10PM Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on all sides in Bolivia to ensure that Sunday's recall referendum on the President, Vice-President and regional governors is conducted in a peaceful atmosphere.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban said he was closely following the political developments in the Andean country, where the referendum concerns the mandates of President Evo Morales, Vice-President Álvaro García and eight regional authorities, or prefectos.

Media reports say two people were killed and several more were injured during demonstrations this week related to the referendum.

"In the interest of strengthening democracy and human rights in Bolivia, the Secretary-General calls on all political and social actors to ensure a peaceful climate throughout the electoral process and its aftermath," today's statement said.

"The Secretary-General reaffirms the commitment of the United Nations system to work with the Government and society as a whole towards generating an environment of tolerance, respect and dialogue in Bolivia."
2008-08-08 00:00:00.000

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