SECURITY COUNCIL WELCOMES RETURN TO PEACE AND DEMOCRACY IN GUINEA-BISSAU

Press Release
SC/6965

SECURITY COUNCIL WELCOMES RETURN TO PEACE AND DEMOCRACY IN GUINEA-BISSAU

In a statement read by its President, Minister for Development Cooperation Eveline Herfkens (Netherlands), on the situation in Guinea-Bissau, the Security Council this afternoon welcomed the return of peace, democracy and constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau and stressed the importance of continued cooperation by all parties towards the consolidation of sustainable peace.

Underlining that the primary responsibility for the consolidation of peace lay with all parties and people of Guinea-Bissau, the Council called on the former military junta to subordinate itself fully to civilian institutions and to withdraw from the political process. In that connection, the Council further underlined the importance of energetic continuation of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process, and the need for an urgent and accurate census of all military forces.

The Council also underlined the importance of timely funding for the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process in Guinea-Bissau, and stressed the importance of integrated and coordinated support of Member States for those activities.

Further, the Council underlined the importance of ensuring a smooth transition from conflict management to post-conflict peace-building and reconstruction, which should be enhanced through adequate coordination of the efforts of all. The Council stressed the special position of the United Nations Peace-building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS) in that regard and stated that an integrated and coordinated approach was required for Guinea-Bissau, combining sustainable post-conflict peace-building and economic and development issues.

Welcoming initiatives by the Presidents of Guinea-Bissau and Senegal towards stabilization of their common border region, the Council encouraged the two Governments to explore further possibilities to achieve peace and stability along regional borders.

The meeting, which began at 5:02 p.m., was adjourned at 5:07 p.m.

The full text of the statement, which will be issued as document S/PRST/2000/37, reads as follows:

“The Security Council reiterates its support for the democratically elected Government of Guinea-Bissau, and underlines that all parties concerned, especially the members of the former military junta, must continue to uphold the results of the elections and the principles of democracy, the rule of law, and respect for human rights and civilian rule in the country.

Security Council - 2 - Press Release SC/6965 4239th Meeting (PM) 29 November 2000

“The Security Council welcomes the return to peace, democracy and constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau, and urges all parties to work towards the consolidation of peace in a spirit of cooperation and reconciliation.

“The Security Council notes with satisfaction the political progress made so far in Guinea-Bissau, and stresses the importance of continued cooperation by all parties towards the consolidation of sustainable peace in Guinea-Bissau. The Council calls upon the members of the former military junta to subordinate themselves fully to the civilian institutions and to withdraw from the political process. The Council underlines that the primary responsibility for the consolidation of peace lies with all the parties and the people of Guinea-Bissau, and is concerned that renewed political unrest may be harmful to the consolidation of peace and to the commitment of donors to support the reconstruction of Guinea- Bissau.

“In this connection, the Security Council underlines the importance of an energetic continuation of the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process and the need for an urgent and accurate census of all military forces. It recalls the statement of its President of 23 March 2000 (S/PRST/2000/10) and underlines that timely funding for disarmament, demobilization and reintegration is a critical factor to the successful implementation of the peace process in Guinea-Bissau. The Council commends the support provided by the Bretton Woods institutions to the disarmament, demobilization and reintegration process in Guinea-Bissau, and stresses the importance of integrated and the coordinated support of Member States for these activities.

“The Security Council recalls the statement of its President of 29 December 1998 (S/PRST/1998/38) and recognizes that the challenges of the post-conflict situation in Guinea-Bissau require an integrated and consolidated approach by all actors to support the Government of Guinea-Bissau, including the United Nations system, the World Bank and the International Monetary Fund, as well as bilateral donors. In this regard, the Council once again underlines the importance of ensuring a smooth transition from conflict management to post-conflict peace- building and reconstruction, which can be greatly enhanced through adequate coordination of the efforts of all. The Council stresses the special position of the United Nations Peace-building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS) in this regard.

“The Security Council recognizes and commends the important role played by UNOGBIS towards helping consolidate peace, democracy and the rule of law, including the strengthening of democratic institutions, and expresses its appreciation for the activities of UNOGBIS. In order to optimize the efforts of UNOGBIS, some degree of flexibility on the part of donors and financial institutions is required concerning issues such as debt relief, trade policies and internal budget constraints.”

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