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Secretary-General is concerned about developments in Sri Lanka
United Nations Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon has called on authorities in Sri Lanka to ensure the rights and safety of the defeated presidential candidate.
Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon
The appeal follows reports that Sri Lankan troops have arrested the opposition presidential candidate Sarath Fonseka, a former army chief, who received 40 per cent of the vote in the 27 January election.
UN spokesman Martin Nesirky told reporters that the Secretary-General intends to speak with President Mahinda Rajapaksa and to maintain close engagement through his senior advisers.
"He urges the authorities to follow due process of law and provide all the necessary protections and guarantees of his safety. And he underlines the importance of ensuring a positive political climate as the country prepares for parliamentary elections and in the interest of peace, stability and reconciliation."
The Secretary-General has appealed to all parties and their supporters in Sri Lanka to show restraint and refrain from violence following the arrest of the defeated opposition presidential candidate.
Bissera Kostova, United Nations.
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