SECRETARY-GENERAL EXPRESSES SADNESS, DISMAY AT ASSASSINATIONS

OF GUINEA-BISSAU PRESIDENT, CHIEF OF GENERAL STAFF

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

The Secretary-General is deeply saddened and dismayed by the assassinations of President João Bernardo Vieira and the Chief of General Staff, General Batista Tagme Na Waie.

The Secretary-General strongly condemns these violent acts, which have occurred soon after successful legislative elections which paved the way for enhanced United Nations support to the country’s peacebuilding efforts.  The Secretary-General calls urgently for calm and restraint, and urges the national authorities of Guinea-Bissau to fully investigate these assassinations and bring to justice those responsible for them.

The Secretary-General sends his condolences to the families of the late President and the Chief of General Staff, as well as to the people of Guinea-Bissau.  He calls on the national authorities of Guinea-Bissau to maintain constitutional order and respect for the rule of law at this critical moment.  He remains in close contact with his Representative for Guinea Bissau, Joseph Mutaboba, who along with others in the international community is working to promote peace, political stability and development in the country.

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For information media • not an official record