The UN Security Council welcomed on Friday the successful elections held in Liberia, and appealed for the completion of free and fair presidential elections.

In a press statement delivered by Russian Ambassador Andrey Denisov, whose country holds the rotating presidency for the month of November, the council welcomed the peaceful and orderly conduct of the elections and commended all Liberians attending the polls.

"The members of the Security Council underlined that the completion of free and fair presidential elections will be a key step forward towards restoring the normal State functions of Liberia and will pave the way for the return of Liberian refugees to their homeland," the statement said.

Meanwhile, the council stressed that any concerns related to the election should be pursued and resolved exclusively through peaceful and legal means, which will further underline the new Liberia's irreversible commitment to the rule of law.

The members urged the candidates, their parties and all their supporters to respect the final results of the election once they are officially declared, the statement said.

Source: Xinhua