United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan yesterday departed Madagascar with a
call for dialogue among all political parties ahead of planned elections in the
country.
Speaking to reporters before leaving the Indian Ocean nation, Mr. Annan said
during meetings with its leaders he had encouraged all to engage in talks to
foster conditions necessary for the polling. "I hope it will be transparent,
open and equitable," he said.
The Secretary-General voiced confidence that a genuine dialogue among all the
political parties would enable them to solve many issues.
UN electoral experts have been helping to prepare for the elections, and are
expected to produce a report on the process, he noted.
Asked about his forthcoming visit to the Democratic Republic of the Congo (DRC),
Mr. Annan said the UN would need all possible assistance in preparing for
elections to be held there in June, including from the European Union. .
In addition to going to the DRC, Mr. Annan will visit the Republic of Congo as
part of his current trip to Africa.
For more details go to UN News Centre at http://www.un.org/news
Photo: President Marc Ravalomanana of Madagascar
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