SECURITY COUNCIL, IN PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT, EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR NEWLY ELECTED GOVERNMENT IN GUINEA-BISSAU

Press Release
SC/6836

SECURITY COUNCIL, IN PRESIDENTIAL STATEMENT, EXPRESSES SUPPORT FOR NEWLY ELECTED GOVERNMENT IN GUINEA-BISSAU

The Security Council this morning expressed its support for the newly elected Government of Guinea-Bissau and encouraged the new authorities to develop and implement programmes devised to consolidate peace and national reconciliation.

In a statement read by its President, Anwarul Karim Chowdhury (Bangladesh), the Council paid tribute to the people of Guinea-Bissau for the success of the transitional process, which had led to the organization of free, fair and transparent elections. It congratulated the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, the staff of the United Nations Peace-building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS) and the Members of the United Nations for all they had done to assist the people of Guinea-Bissau in that task.

The Council thanked the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, Member States which had contributed to the Trust Fund established to support the activities of UNOGBIS and the Friends of the Secretary-General for Guinea-Bissau for their contributions to consolidating peace and stability in the country.

Welcoming the swearing in of President Kumba Yala on 17 February 2000 and the return to constitutional and democratic order, the Council affirmed that all concerned, particularly the former military junta, were obligated to recognize and uphold the results of the free and fair presidential and legislative elections, as part of the Abuja Agreements (document S/1998/1028, annex).

The Council encouraged all concerned in Guinea-Bissau to work together closely in a spirit of tolerance to strengthen democratic values, to protect the rule of law, to depoliticize the army and to safeguard human rights. It also called on the international community to support the Government's three-month transitional programme, pending the organization of a new round-table conference.

The meeting was convened at 11:25 a.m. and adjourned at 11:30 a.m.

Presidential Statement

The full text of the presidential statement, which will be issued as document S/PRST/2000/11, reads, as follows:

“The Security Council has considered the report of the Secretary-General of 24 March 2000 on developments in Guinea-Bissau (S/2000/250).

Security Council - 2 - Press Release SC/6836 4122nd Meeting (AM) 29 March 2000

“The Security Council pays tribute to the people of Guinea-Bissau for the success of the transitional process which has led to the organization of free, fair and transparent elections. It congratulates the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, the staff of the United Nations Peace-building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS) and the Members of the United Nations for all they have done to assist the people of Guinea-Bissau in this task. The Council also thanks the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), Member States which contributed to the Trust Fund established to support the activities of UNOGBIS and the Friends of the Secretary-General for Guinea-Bissau for their contributions to consolidating peace and stability in Guinea-Bissau.

“The Security Council welcomes the swearing in of President Kumba Yala on 17 February 2000 and the return to constitutional and democratic order in Guinea- Bissau following the holding of free and fair presidential and legislative elections. The Council affirms that all concerned, particularly the former military junta, are obligated to recognize and uphold the results of these elections, as part of the Abuja Agreement (S/1998/1028, annex).

“The Security Council encourages all concerned in Guinea-Bissau to work together closely in a spirit of tolerance to strengthen democratic values, to protect the rule of law, to depoliticize the army and to safeguard human rights. The Council supports the efforts made by the Government of Guinea-Bissau to redefine the role of the military in Guinea-Bissau in accordance with the rule of law and democracy.

“The Security Council expresses its support for the newly-elected Government of Guinea-Bissau and encourages the new authorities to develop and to implement programmes devised to consolidate peace and national reconciliation. The Council calls on the international community to support the Government’s three-month transitional programme pending the organization of a new round-table conference. The Council agrees with the comment made by the Secretary-General, in paragraph 24 of his report, to the effect that sustained support of the international community is crucial for the consolidation of the progress achieved so far, and for helping Guinea-Bissau lay a durable foundation for a better life for its people.”

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