SG/SM/9818
AFR/1139
14 April 2005
Secretary-General Concerned by Mounting Tensions in Guinea-Bissau in Advance of June Elections
NEW YORK, 13 April (UN Headquarters) -- The following statement was issued today by the Spokesman for UN Secretary-General Kofi Annan:
The Secretary-General notes with concern the mounting political and social tensions in Guinea-Bissau as the country prepares to hold presidential elections in June 2005. Accordingly, he has directed his Representative in Guinea-Bissau to promote and facilitate dialogue between all of the country’s political actors in order to build a more conducive atmosphere for peaceful, credible elections.
These elections are a crucial step towards concluding the transitional process, fully restoring constitutional order and permitting renewed engagement of the country’s development partners. The Secretary-General calls on all political actors to participate constructively in dialogue and to refrain from any action or statement that could jeopardize peaceful elections and stability in the country.
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