The Secretary-General welcomes this morning's announcement by the National Elections Commission of the official results from the Liberian presidential run-off elections. The results show that Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf of the Unity Party received 59.4% and Mr. George Weah of the Congress for Democratic Change 40.6% of the total valid votes cast. The Secretary-General extends his warm congratulations to Mrs. Ellen Johnson-Sirleaf on her election as Africa's first woman head of state in the modern era.

The Secretary-General notes that the National Elections Commission will continue to conduct active and open hearings on the complaints received concerning the conduct of the run-off elections, in accordance with the established legal procedures. He urges a timely conclusion of this important process in order to allow all Liberians to focus on the urgent tasks of national reconciliation, reconstruction and good governance. The Secretary-General wishes to assure the newly-elected government of the continued support of the United Nations, as Liberia lays the foundations for lasting political stability and sustainable economic development.