SC/8425
AFR/1200
24 June 2005
Security Council Press Statement on Guinea-Bissau
NEW YORK, 23 June (UN Headquarters) -- ollowing is the Security Council press statement on Guinea-Bissau, delivered today Council President Jean-Marc de La Sablière (France):
Members of the Security Council heard a briefing from Assistant Secretary-General Tuliameni Kalomoh, on recent developments in Guinea-Bissau, particularly on the first round of the presidential elections, held last Sunday, 19 June. They were also informed on the activities of the United Nations Peace-building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS).
Members of the Security Council recalled that, according to the Political Transition Charter, the holding of presidential elections and the upcoming assumption of the new democratically elected Head of State will mark the full restoration of constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau. In this regard, they expressed their satisfaction with the peaceful and orderly manner in which the first round of elections has taken place and congratulated the people of Guinea-Bissau and all political actors, including political parties, for this important demonstration of their commitment to democracy and peace. Members of the Security Council also urged all candidates and political parties to respect the election results and to commit themselves to national unity.
Members of the Security Council commended the international community for their support for the electoral process, including the designation of a large number of observers by the African Union, the European Union, the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries and the Economic Community of West African States, among others. Moreover, they requested that this support be maintained, if a second round of the presidential elections is confirmed according to the electoral calendar and legislation.
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