Secretary-General Commends Guinea-Bissau on Peaceful Presidential Elections,

Urges All Sides to Respect Results When Announced

The following statement was issued on 19 March by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General commends the people of Guinea-Bissau for the peaceful and orderly conduct of the presidential election held on 18 March.  As the electoral process continues, he reiterates his appeal to the candidates and their supporters to abide by the laws, and calls on them to refrain from any action that could hamper the electoral process and to respect the official results when announced by the Supreme Court.

The Secretary-General condemns the killing of the former Head of military intelligence, Colonel Samba Djalo, which took place last night in Bissau.  He urges national authorities to take necessary measures to bring those responsible to justice.

The Secretary-General reaffirms the readiness of the United Nations, in cooperation with the wider international community, to support the consolidation of peace and development in Guinea-Bissau.

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For information media • not an official record