SECRETARY-GENERAL REITERATES CONCERN OVER WORSENING POLITICAL, SECURITY SITUATION

IN GUINEA, CALLS FOR DIALOGUE, IMPLEMENTATION OF LAST MONTH’S AGREEMENT

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

The Secretary-General reiterates his grave concern over the worsening political and security situation in Guinea, and deplores the continued loss of lives and the wanton destruction of property.

The Secretary-General regrets the failure to implement the agreement reached on 27 January, which has triggered the resumption of the crisis and threatens to plunge the country into generalized instability.  He calls on the Government and the labour leaders to resume dialogue and implement, in good faith, the agreement reached last month.

The Secretary-General, once again, strongly urges the Government and the security forces to exercise maximum restraint and to scrupulously uphold the rule of law and respect for human rights.  The Secretary-General also urges the labour leaders to refrain from inciting violence and the destruction of property.

The Secretary-General reaffirms the readiness of the United Nations to work closely with all segments of the society, and with Guinea’s other partners, to help end the current crisis and restore sustainable stability and development.

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For information media • not an official record