24 July 2009

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today called on the leadership and people of Mauritania to consolidate their country's democratization and reconciliation by pursuing dialogue in the wake of the recently concluded presidential elections.

Mohamed Ould Abdel Aziz, who led a coup in August 2008 against the democratically elected former government, has been declared the winner of last weekend's presidential poll.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban said he took note of the Constitutional Council's announcement of the final results of the elections.

"The Secretary-General would like to invite the Mauritanian people and their leaders to consolidate the democratization process and reconciliation, including through the pursuit of the inclusive national dialogue as provided for in the Dakar agreement," the statement said, referring to a pact signed in early June to try to resolve the political tensions in the West African country.

"He also wishes to give his assurance that the United Nations will continue supporting efforts in this area."
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