Welcoming ‘Breakthrough’ Agreement in Guinea, Secretary-General Praises

 

‘Sense of Compromise’ that Ended Political Impasse

 

The following statement was issued on 4 July by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General welcomes the signing, on 3 July in Conakry, of the agreement between the presidential coalition and the opposition parties at the end of the inter-Guinean political dialogue launched on 28 March.

The Secretary-General is encouraged by this breakthrough which charts the way for free, fair, transparent and peaceful legislative elections.  The Secretary-General commends the sense of compromise of the Guinean political leadership in overcoming the political impasse.  He urges them to adhere strictly to the new electoral timeline so as to establish democratic institutions and allow the country to achieve national cohesion and social and economic development.

The Secretary-General calls on the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), with the support of international bilateral and multilateral partners, including the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the European Union, the Organisation internationale de la Francophonie and the United Nations, to do its utmost to implement the electoral timeline.  The United Nations is fully committed to extending the required assistance for holding these important elections.

The Secretary-General commends President Alpha Condé for initiating a political dialogue to resolve all outstanding issues pertaining to the electoral process.  He also commends all other political leaders for choosing the path of dialogue to address their differences.

The Secretary-General also thanks the College of Facilitators, including his Special Representative for West Africa, Said Djinnit, for their contribution towards this milestone agreement for the consolidation of democracy and stability in Guinea.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record