Secretary-General welcomes peaceful staging of referendum in Zanzibar

Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon today welcomed the peaceful staging of a referendum in Zanzibar, saying it will help with long-term reconciliation efforts in the semi-autonomous Tanzanian islands.

Two thirds of voters in Zanzibar cast their ballots over the weekend in favour of a unity government, according to media reports.

In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mr. Ban congratulated the people of Zanzibar and said that he welcomes the agreement between the islands’ two main political parties – Chama Cha Mapinduzi and Civic United Front – which led to the referendum, which is “aimed at paving the way for a long-term reconciliation.

“The Secretary-General is encouraged by the determination of the people of Zanzibar to build a peaceful and united future, and reiterates the readiness of the United Nations to assist them,” it added.