Secretary-General Saddened by Loss of Life during Demonstrations in Guinea,

 

Says Urgent Need to Put Process of National Reconciliation Back on Track

 

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

The Secretary-General is saddened by the loss of life during the demonstrations that began in Conakry on 27 September.  The Secretary-General stresses the importance of allowing peaceful demonstrations.  He calls on the national authorities to ensure that security forces avoid excessive use of force in handling demonstrations.  He urges all Guinean stakeholders to refrain from using violence and to engage in dialogue with a view to the holding of credible, transparent and peaceful legislative elections.  The Secretary-General underlines the urgent need for Guinea to put the process of genuine national reconciliation back on track in order to strengthen opportunities for sustainable peacebuilding and economic revitalization.

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For information media • not an official record