SG/SM/10018
AFR/1220
29 July 2005

Secretary-General Appeals for Calm in Guinea-Bissau, as Counting Continues on Presidential Election

NEW YORK, 28 July (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:

The Secretary-General has taken note of the provisional results announced today by national electoral authorities of the second round of the presidential elections, held on 24 July 2005 in Guinea-Bissau.  He appeals for calm, as the counting process continues before the announcement of the final results and the full restoration of constitutional rule.

The Secretary-General stresses the need to employ legal means to address any electoral grievances.  He reaffirms United Nations support for the country’s efforts to consolidate democracy and to promote sustainable peace and development.

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