SG/SM/9755
10 March 2005

Secretary-General Pleased Bolivia Agreement Reached through Dialogue, Respect for Constitution.

NEW YORK, 9 March (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General has been following developments in Bolivia, where Congress last evening agreed that President Carlos Mesa should remain in office, and where an agreement was reached between the Government and other political forces on crucial political, social and economic issues facing the country.

The Secretary-General is pleased to see this result achieved through dialogue and respect for the Constitution.  He is encouraged that all forces and groups in Bolivia are seeking to overcome political differences peacefully.

The UN system stands ready to assist the Government and people of Bolivia in addressing the important challenges that they face.

* *** *