United Nations Radio

United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on the Zimbabwean authorities to immediately release the results of the presidential election held last month.

Speaking in Geneva today where he gave a lecture on opportunities in crisis situation, the Secretary-General said it is unacceptable that the leaders of the Zimbabwean government have not released the results four weeks after the elections.

He said that he has been engaged in dialogue with African leaders to help resolve the political impasse in Zimbabwe but, unfortunately he has not been able to make any progress.

"The United Nations has expressed our willingness to provide humanitarian assistance, including the dispatch of a humanitarian envoy which has been rejected by the Zimbabwean government. I am very much worried and I am going continue to address this issue in close coordination with the African Union and regional leaders.

Mr. Ban expressed concern about the increasing violence and the displacement of people who are fleeing their homes to hide.

Diane Bailey, United Nations.

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