Statement by Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the Presidential Election (Runoff Voting) in the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire

December 8, 2010
Japanese

Japan expresses concern over the situation in the Republic of Cote d'Ivoire, where in the runoff voting for the Presidential election, two candidates, incumbent President Laurent Gbagbo and leader of the opposition party Alassane Ouattara, have both declared victory and taken the presidential oath.
Japan hopes that the outcome of the election which resulted in Mr. Ouattara's election victory as shown in the announcement by the independent election commission will be respected. Japan also urges all interested parties to take responsible actions conducive to the consolidation of peace and democracy, without resorting to violent means.

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