Security Council Press Statement on Situation in Guinea-Bissau

 

The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Oh Joon (Republic of Korea):

On 19 May 2014, the members of the Security Council were briefed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Jose Ramos-Horta, and the Chair of the Guinea-Bissau Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, Ambassador Antonio de Aguiar Patriota.

The members of the Security Council welcome the successful conclusion of the second round of presidential elections in Guinea-Bissau and express their thanks to the contributions of the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) member States, the ECOWAS Commission, Nigeria, Timor-Leste and donors to the United Nations Development Programme Basket Fund, in particular the European Union.  They look forward to the announcement by the National Electoral Commission of the certified final results of the election.

The members of the Security Council commend the authorities in charge of the transitional period for their commitment to completing the transitional process and applaud the people of Guinea-Bissau who participated in the election in record numbers.  They call on all parties to respect the electoral outcome as the expression of the democratic will of the people of Guinea-Bissau and also urge the political parties to peacefully address any grievances arising from the elections through the appropriate channels.

The members of the Security Council call upon the security services to respect the constitutional order, including the election results, and reiterate their demand to the security services to submit themselves fully to civilian control.

The members of the Security Council express support for the leadership of Special Representative Ramos-Horta and commend his role in facilitating an environment conducive to free and fair elections.  They welcome his proposals for continued international engagement after the elections to support progress on key reforms, strengthening State institutions, good governance and inclusive social and economic development.

The members of the Security Council call upon the international community to continue to support Guinea-Bissau’s efforts at nation-building.

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For information media • not an official record