Security Council Press Statement on Guinea-Bissau

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti ( Brazil):

The members of the Security Council were briefed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Joseph Mutaboba, and the Chair of the Guinea-Bissau Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti.

The members of the Security Council appreciated the presence of a high-level delegation from Guinea-Bissau headed by Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Junior and composed of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs; National Defence; Economy, Planning and Regional Integration; and Justice.  The Prime Minister briefed the Council on recent developments in the country.

The members of the Security Council noted the progress made by the Government of Guinea-Bissau in the maintenance of stability and constitutional order, including the work of the National Assembly on reconciliation.  They welcomed the release of those previously detained in connection with the events of 1 April 2010.  The members of the Security Council further welcomed the progress made on economic reform in Guinea-Bissau.

The members of the Security Council remain concerned at the insecurity and growth in transnational organized crime, including illicit drug trafficking, which threaten peace and security in Guinea-Bissau and in the subregion.  In this regard, the members of the Security Council reiterated the need to tackle the problem of illicit drug trafficking in the countries of origin, transit and final destination as a common and shared responsibility.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need for the authorities of Guinea-Bissau to intensify efforts in creating the enabling environment for enhanced civilian control and reform of the security sector, fighting against impunity, and tackling illicit drug trafficking.

The members of the Security Council underlined the importance of strengthening the coordination among international actors and stakeholders, namely the United Nations, African Union, Economic Community of West African States, Community of Portuguese-speaking Countriesand the European Union in their continued support to the authorities of Guinea-Bissau.

The members of the Security Council expressed their appreciation tothe Economic Community of West African States andthe Community of Portuguese-speaking Countriesfor the road map with a view to providing training and protection to Guinea-Bissau State institutions within the framework of security-sector reform and looked forward to its timely endorsement by the Economic Community of West African States.  They encouraged the Government of Guinea-Bissau to be fully committed to its endorsement and implementation.  They reiterated their request to the Secretary-General to engage with the Economic Community of West African States and the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countrieswith a view to undertaking a joint assessment of the requirements to support the rapid implementation of the Economic Community of West African States/Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countriesroad map.  The members of the Security Council indicated their expectation to receive the outcome of the joint assessment as soon as possible, and prior to the next scheduled consultations on the situation in Guinea-Bissau.

The members of the Security Council will remain seized of efforts to consolidate peace in Guinea-Bissau.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record