Secretary-General gravely concerned by excessive use of force, deaths in guinea,

Calls for maximum restraint by government security forces

 

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General is gravely concerned at the excessive use of force resulting in the loss of life in clashes in Guinea.  He expresses his condolences to the aggrieved families and to the people of Guinea as a whole.  He strongly urges the Government to carry out investigations into the killings with a view to bringing those responsible to justice, including members of the security forces, and to take the necessary measures to ensure the safety of all citizens throughout the country.

The Secretary-General calls on the Government of Guinea to exercise maximum restraint on its security forces, and urges the parties to engage in dialogue in order to find a peaceful resolution to the dispute.

The Secretary-General hopes that the planned Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) leaders’ visit to Guinea will take place as a matter of urgency.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record