“He remains convinced only an inclusive political dialogue will help pave the way towards peaceful and credible elections, in accordance with Security Council Resolution 2277 (2016),”  Ban's spokesman added in a statement issued late this evening.

In the resolution, the Security Council underlined the importance of a credible and inclusive political dialogue to ensure peaceful, credible, inclusive, transparent and timely presidential and legislative elections scheduled for November 2016, in line with the Constitution.

The Secretary-General encouraged the Government to continue confidence-building measures and to uphold the fundamental rights and freedoms enshrined in the Constitution with a view towards establishing an atmosphere conducive to credible dialogue, the spokesman said.

 Ban also urged all actors to refrain from any action that could increase tensions or lead to violence, the spokesman added.