PRESS STATEMENT ON GUINEA-BISSAU BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

PRESS STATEMENT ON GUINEA-BISSAU BY SECURITY COUNCIL PRESIDENT

Following is today’s press statement on Guinea-Bissau by Security Council President Bayani Mercado ( Philippines):

Members of the Security Council heard a briefing today, 22 September, from the Representative of the Secretary-General for Guinea-Bissau, João Bernardo Honwana, on recent developments in Guinea-Bissau, particularly since August, when results of the presidential elections were announced.  They were also informed on aspects of the social and economic situation in the country.

Members of the Security Council commended all concerned parties in Guinea-Bissau, including the transitional President, Henrique Pereira Rosa, and international partners, for their contribution to a peaceful conclusion of the transitional period, which will be formally terminated with the inauguration, on 1 October, of the President-elect João Bernardo “Nino” Vieira as the new President of the Republic.  While recognizing the importance of upholding the principle of the separation of powers, they also encouraged dialogue and constructive cohabitation between the organs of the State.

Members of the Security Council underscored that Guinea-Bissau will enter now a delicate post-electoral phase and will need further international assistance to meet its multiple short-term and long-term political and economic challenges.  They recognized the importance of political and institutional stability in Guinea-Bissau for the ongoing support of the international community and reiterated their strong appeal to the international community to remain engaged and to provide Guinea-Bissau with development assistance, with a view to consolidate peace and stability and promote development.

Members of the Security Council stressed the need for an active participation of the international community in the forthcoming round table, scheduled to take place in November 2005.

Members of the Security Council discussed the recommendations of the Secretary-General, regarding the updating of United Nations Peace-building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau’s (UNOGBIS) mandate and role in the post-transitional period and reaffirmed their continued support for UNOGBIS as it works on the harmonization of United Nations peace and security and development agendas, as well as of international partnerships provided by Guinea-Bissau development partners.

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For information media • not an official record