Security Council press statement on Guinea-Bissau

 

The following Security Council press statement on Guinea-Bissau was delivered today by Council President Marcello Spatafora ( Italy):

Members of the Security Council heard a briefing on 12 December 2007 by the Representative of the Secretary-General, Shola Omoregie, on the situation in Guinea-Bissau, on the basis of the latest Secretary-General’s report (document S/2007/715).  Under-Secretary-General Antonio Maria Costa, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), also briefed the Council, confirming the urgency of combating internationaldrug trafficking and organized crime that affect Guinea-Bissau.

Members of the Security Council renewed their concern at the security threat posed by drug trafficking and organized crime and noted with appreciation the progress made by the Government, with the support of the international community and the United Nations system, in particular UNODC, towards developing a robust anti-narcotics trafficking programme.  They stressed the importance for a successful outcome of the Lisbon Conference on 19 December 2007 and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)-led regional conference to be organized in 2008.

Members of the Security Council called on the international community to provide the necessary financial and technical assistance for security sector reform in Guinea-Bissau and noted that the assistance provided by the European Union and other contributors will help boost its implementation.

Members of the Security Council noted with appreciation progress made by the Government in pursuing national reconciliation, restoring the credibility of the country externally and promoting cooperation with international financial authorities.  They encouraged all national stakeholders to support the organization of free and fair legislative elections in 2008 and expressed their hope that an agreement may soon be reached on the date of these elections.

Members of the Security Council supported the request by the Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau that Guinea-Bissau be placed on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission, and invited the Peacebuilding Commission to provide initial advice on the situation in Guinea-Bissau within 90 days.

Members of the Council supported the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS), and expressed their resolve to continue to monitor closely the situation in the country.

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For information media • not an official record