Annan urges Bolivian political parties to resolve differences quickly and hold elections

United Nations Secretary-General Kofi Annan today urged all social and political sectors of Bolivia to reach a solution to the political impasse so they can hold elections as planned on 26 December, his spokesman said.

"The Secretary-General is following closely the political developments in Bolivia, and expressed concern about the critical junction the country is going through," Stephane. Dujarric said.

Mr. Annan also offered the help of the UN in finding solutions to the challenges Bolivia is facing, he added.

The elections are the result of a decision made this July by Bolivia's Parliament to hold presidential, vice-presidential, parliamentary and prefecto (regional gubernatorial) elections in December.

That decision followed civil unrest and growing political opposition which caused the resignation of then-President Carlos Mesa, and the interim appointment in June of Eduardo Rodriguez to the post by the Bolivian congress and senate.