United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon welcomed today the announcement of the adoption of the new Constitution in Côte d'Ivoire by the Commission Electorale Indépendante, which followed the 30 October constitutional referendum.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban noted with satisfaction that the new Constitution addresses of some long-standing causes or tension and divisions in Côte d’Ivoire.

Further to the statement, all Ivorian parties, including political leaders and their supporters, were encouraged to reject violence and refrain from the use of inflammatory language. The Secretary-General stressed the importance of resolving the conflict through constitutional means, through dialogue, leading to fair and open elections in the weeks ahead.

The Secretary-General also assured, through his Special Representative and Head of the UN Operation in Côte d’Ivoire (UNOCI) that the UN is highly committed to maintaining peace and stability in Côte d’Ivoire.