SECRETARY-GENERAL ANNOUNCES ESTABLISHMENT OF TRUST FUND FOR PEACE-BUILDING OFFICE IN GUINEA-BISSAU

29 July 1999

Press Release
SG/2058
AFR/161

SECRETARY-GENERAL ANNOUNCES ESTABLISHMENT OF TRUST FUND FOR PEACE-BUILDING OFFICE IN GUINEA-BISSAU

19990729 Secretary-General Kofi Annan today announced that the United Nations Trust Fund in Support of the Activities of the United Nations Peace-building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau has been established and is now ready to receive contributions in accordance with its terms of reference. These include: mobilizing international political support for assistance to Guinea-Bissau; enhancing the participation of civil society and the armed forces in peace-building, democracy and the rule of law process; contributing to the civic education of former combatants, national armed forces and police; and assisting the Government in implementing its programme of voluntary arms collection, disposal and destruction, as well as demining. In paragraph 25 of his report of 1 July 1999 to the Security Council on the situation in Guinea-Bissau (S/1999/741), the Secretary-General recommended that a trust fund be set up in support of the activities of the United Nations Peace-building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS), as part of the United Nations contribution to the restoration and consolidation of peace in that country. On 6 July, the Security Council concurred with the Secretary- General's recommendation and encouraged Member States to contribute generously to the Fund. The Trust Fund will also be used to support and facilitate the work of the United Nations Country Team in Guinea-Bissau for reconciliation efforts, the establishment and strengthening of democratic institutions and the development of an integrated approach to peace-building programmes, and to facilitate communication between the Government, regional States, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), other partners and the United Nations on matters related to peace-building objectives. Contributions to the Trust Fund will be accepted from governments, intergovernmental and non-governmental organizations, or private institutions and individuals. Pledges and contributions will be accepted only by the Secretary-General or officials acting on his behalf. The following bank account will keep the resources of the Trust Fund: United Nations General Trust Fund Account The Chase Manhattan International Agencies Banking Account No. 001-1-508140 ABA 021-000-021 For the Trust Fund in support of the activities of the United Nations Peace-building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS) The Secretary-General calls upon Member States to contribute generously to the Trust Fund.

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