PRESS STATEMENT ON GUINEA-BISSAU BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

PRESS STATEMENT ON GUINEA-BISSAU BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Following is today’s press statement by Security Council President Jagdish Koonjul (Mauritius) concerning Guinea-Bissau:

The Security Council considered the tenth report of the Secretary-General on developments in Guinea-Bissau and on activities of the United Nations Peace-building Support Office (UNOGBIS).  The Security Council members had a comprehensive briefing by the Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, Ibrahima Fall.

The Security Council members encouraged President Kumba Yala of Guinea-Bissau in his pursuit of the policy of national reconciliation and dialogue taking into account the established constitutional norms.

Council Members also encouraged the current chairman of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and leaders of the subregion, as well as the friends of Guinea-Bissau, to continue playing an active role and redouble their initiatives of good offices for economic and financial assistance.

Council members expressed support for the demobilization of former combatants and their reintegration into civilian life.

Council members expressed gratitude to the Bretton Woods institutions for the flexibility and understanding they have shown all along, while calling the Government of Guinea-Bissau to pursue fruitful collaboration with these institutions.

Council Members welcomed the proposal for a round table, to be organized as soon as the political situation allowed, and called on donor countries to contribute generously when it is held.

Council Members expressed continued support to the team of UNOGBIS for their tireless efforts to help keep the peace-building process in Guinea-Bissau on course, despite multiple challenges.

* *** *