New York

28 November 2006

Statement Attributable to the Spokesman for the Secretary-General on Tonga

The Secretary-General is alarmed by the recent violence in the Kingdom of Tonga. He urges the parties to persevere with inclusive national consultations to support the democratic reform process, and to overcome their disagreements through dialogue.

The Secretary-General stands ready to support national and regional efforts aimed at facilitating a broad political consensus.