Statement attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on the announcement of an election date in the Kingdom of Lesotho

NEW YORK, December 10, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ -- The Secretary-General notes the recent announcement by His Majesty King Letsie III of the Kingdom of Lesotho that national elections will be held on 28 February 2015.

The Secretary-General welcomes the progress achieved so far in the efforts to uphold democratic principles and secure the restoration of political stability and security in the Kingdom. He encourages all Basotho leaders to comply with the Maseru Facilitation Declaration and work together in a spirit of compromise to ensure an environment conducive to peaceful and credible elections.

The Secretary-General commends the leadership shown by the Southern African Development Community (SADC) in facilitating an agreed way forward and a return to political normalcy. He reaffirms the continued commitment of the United Nations to support the efforts of the Government and the people of Lesotho to consolidate peace in the Kingdom.