Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Guinea-Bissau

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President U. Joy Ogwu (Nigeria):

The members of the Security Council were briefed on 3 April 2014 by Jeffrey Feltman, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, on the situation in Guinea-Bissau.

The members of the Security Council welcomed the successful conclusion of the voter registration process in Guinea-Bissau and acknowledged that funding and preparations for the upcoming presidential and legislative elections on 13 April 2014 were well on track, thanks to the contributions of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) member States, the ECOWAS Commission, Nigeria, Timor-Leste and donors to the UNDP (United Nations Development Programme) Basket Fund, in particular the European Union.

The members of the Security Council expressed support for UNIOGBIS’s (United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau) activities and the leadership of the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, José Ramos-Horta, and commended his role in facilitating the electoral process.

The members of the Security Council condemned the episodes of political violence and intimidation in Guinea-Bissau, in particular the kidnap and assault of a member of the Party for Social Renewal (PRS).  They urged all national stakeholders to facilitate the conduct of peaceful and credible elections, and to respect the election results as an expression of the will of the people of Guinea-Bissau in line with the country’s agreed electoral code.  They also called upon them to refrain from any action that could hamper the electoral process and to live up to their responsibilities in the interest of lasting peace and development in Guinea-Bissau.

The members of the Security Council renewed their call upon all security services to respect the constitutional order, including the electoral process, and to submit themselves fully to civilian control.  The members of the Security Council urged all elements of Guinea-Bissau’s political and military leaders to refrain from attempts to interfere with or influence the electoral process, and to refrain from violence or intimidation of candidates.  The members of the Security Council recalled their readiness to consider further measures, as necessary, including targeted sanctions against both civilian and military individuals who undermine efforts to restore constitutional order.

The members of the Security Council renewed their call on all stakeholders to abide by the law and international norms throughout the election and transition periods and noted that such conduct will go far towards helping restore Guinea-Bissau’s public and international image, and lifting international restrictions on assistance and cooperation.

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For information media • not an official record