8 April 1998


Press Release
SG/SM/6518


SECRETARY-GENERAL ACCEPTS INVITATION TO PLAY COORDINATING ROLE IN INTERNATIONAL OBSERVATION OF JULY ELECTIONS IN CAMBODIA

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The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for Secretary- General Kofi Annan:

After carefully assessing political developments in Cambodia, particularly the progress that the Cambodian authorities have made in establishing a framework for multi-party elections, and following the return of Prince Norodom Ranariddh, the Secretary-General has decided to accept the invitation from the Royal Government of Cambodia to play a coordinating role in the international observation of elections scheduled for 26 July. The decision was conveyed to His Majesty King Norodom Sihanouk and Their Excellencies Prince Ranariddh, Hun Sen and Ung Huot by letters dated 2 April. The Secretary-General noted in his response that he had made his decision, notwithstanding continuing concerns on a number of issues which, if not addressed, might hinder the prospect for free and fair elections and their credibility thereafter. An accompanying memorandum spells out the main elements of the United Nations' role and the conditions of its participation.

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