SC/8703
26 April 2006

Press Statement on Haiti's Elections by Security Council President

NEW YORK, 25 April (UN Headquarters) -- Following is the text of today's press statement on Haiti's elections by Security Council President Wang Guangya (China):

The members of the Security Council commend the Haitian people for their participation in the second round of the parliamentary elections, held on 21 April, and welcome the calm manner in which voting took place.  These elections constitute clear evidence of the Haitian people's commitment to democracy.  The members of the Council express their appreciation for the work of MINUSTAH in this regard.

The members of the Security Council reiterate the importance of timely municipal and local elections to democratic governance and underscore that security remains important for the further stabilization of the country.  While acknowledging that elections are a major step in Haiti's political transition, the members of the Council recognize that addressing the country's many long-term challenges will require close cooperation between the Haitian authorities and the international community.

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