SECRETARY-GENERAL CONTINUES TO FOLLOW WITH GRAVE CONCERN DEVELOPMENTS IN GUINEA-BISSAU SINCE 6 MAY RESUMPTION OF FIGHTING
Press Release
SG/SM/6988
AFR/141
SECRETARY-GENERAL CONTINUES TO FOLLOW WITH GRAVE CONCERN DEVELOPMENTS IN GUINEA-BISSAU SINCE 6 MAY RESUMPTION OF FIGHTING
19990511 The following statement was issued today by the Office of the Spokesman for Secretary-General Kofi Annan:The Secretary-General has continued to follow with grave concern developments in Guinea-Bissau since fighting resumed there on 6 May. Against the background of reports that President Joao Bernardo Vieira has been removed from office as a result of that fighting, the Secretary-General firmly condemns any measure that seeks to transfer power by unconstitutional means tantamount to a coup d'etat.
The Secretary-General also condemns the killing of innocent civilians during the recent fighting as well as attacks on foreign nationals and diplomatic installations.
The Secretary-General reaffirms his strong disappointment that the pledge made by the parties to the conflict in Guinea-Bissau never again to resort to arms to settle their differences was broken by the latest fighting.
This regrettable turn of events in Guinea-Bissau has further complicated an already difficult situation, as the country was only recently and gradually moving, with the support of the international community, towards a peaceful transition within the framework of the Abuja Agreement.
In view of these developments, the Secretary-General is reviewing the options available to the United Nations with regard to the peace process in Guinea-Bissau.
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