Kyrgyzstan: Annan welcomes presidential elections

Secretary-General Kofi Annan today welcomed the peaceful conduct of yesterday's presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan, which had been organized in just three months, with help from United Nations Development Programme, (UNDP), following the resignation of former President Askar Akaev in April.

Secretary-General Kofi Annan today welcomed the peaceful conduct of yesterday's presidential elections in Kyrgyzstan, which had been organized in just three months, with help from the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), following the resignation of former President Askar Akaev in April.

"Preliminary reports indicate that the elections took place in a credible manner with strength and commitment to upholding international standards," said Mr. Annan's spokesman in New York.

"The holding of these elections is an important step in the consolidation of political institutions in Kyrgyzstan, the statement said, adding: "The Secretary-General Looks forward to partnership and cooperation with the new Government."