SECRETARY-GENERAL CONCERNED BY MOUNTING TENSIONS

 

IN GUINEA-BISSAU IN ADVANCE OF JUNE ELECTIONS

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General notes with concern the mounting political and social tensions in Guinea-Bissau as the country prepares to hold presidential elections in June 2005.  Accordingly, he has directed his Representative in Guinea-Bissau to promote and facilitate dialogue between all of the country’s political actors in order to build a more conducive atmosphere for peaceful, credible elections.

These elections are a crucial step towards concluding the transitional process, fully restoring constitutional order and permitting renewed engagement of the country’s development partners.  The Secretary-General calls on all political actors to participate constructively in dialogue and to refrain from any action or statement that could jeopardize peaceful elections and stability in the country.

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