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The following Security Council press statement on Guinea-Bissau was delivered today by Council President Marcello Spatafora (Italy):

Members of the Security Council heard a briefing on 12 December 2007 by the Representative of the Secretary-General, Shola Omoregie, on the situation in Guinea-Bissau, on the basis of the latest Secretary-General's report. Under-Secretary-General Antonio Maria Costa, Executive Director of the United Nations Office on Drug and Crime (UNODC), also briefed the Council, confirming the urgency of combating international drug trafficking and organized crime that affect Guinea-Bissau.

Members of the Security Council renewed their concern at the security threat posed by drug trafficking and organized crime and noted with appreciation the progress made by the Government, with the support of the international community and the United Nations system, in particular UNODC, towards developing a robust anti-narcotics trafficking programme. They stressed the importance for a successful outcome of the Lisbon Conference on 19 December 2007 and the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)-led regional conference to be organized in 2008.

Members of the Security Council called on the international community to provide the necessary financial and technical assistance for security sector reform in Guinea-Bissau and noted that the assistance provided by the European Union and other contributors will help boost its implementation.

Members of the Security Council noted with appreciation progress made by the Government in pursuing national reconciliation, restoring the credibility of the country externally and promoting cooperation with international financial authorities. They encouraged all national stakeholders to support the organization of free and fair legislative elections in 2008 and expressed their hope that an agreement may soon be reached on the date of these elections.

Members of the Security Council supported the request by the Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau that Guinea-Bissau be placed on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission, and invited the Peacebuilding Commission to provide initial advice on the situation in Guinea-Bissau within 90 days.

Members of the Council supported the renewal of the mandate of the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS), and expressed their resolve to continue to monitor closely the situation in the country.

The full text of the presidential statement read out by its President for October, Leslie Kojo Christian (Ghana) reads as follows:

"The Security Council, recalling its previous statements on Guinea-Bissau, and having considered the latest report of the Secretary-General on developments in Guinea-Bissau and on the activities of the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS), reaffirms its support for the continuing efforts to consolidate peace in that country.

"The Security Council notes with deep concern the threat posed by drug and human trafficking, which can undermine the important gains made with respect to rule of law, democratic and transparent governance. The Council further notes that the danger posed by drug trafficking in Guinea-Bissau could have negative implications towards the region, as well as other regions.

"The Security Council is especially concerned over the security and safety of Bissau-Guinean officials involved in combating drug trafficking and organized crime. The Security Council, therefore, calls upon the government with appropriate support from the international community to take concerted action to safeguard the safety and security of those officials who are involved in combating these activities.

"The Security Council welcomes the decision by ECOWAS to convene later this year a regional conference on combating drug trafficking, aimed at developing a regional plan of action to deal with this challenge. The Security Council calls for urgent consideration of how the United Nations system might improve its support for Guinea-Bissau's fight against international drug trafficking and organized crime. The Security Council recognizes the importance of containing and reversing the threat of drug trafficking to the peace consolidation process in Guinea-Bissau. The Security Council further recognizes in particular the important role of the United Nations Office for Drug Control and Crime Prevention (UNODC). The Council requests the Secretary-General to report on this matter as soon as practicable. The Council further welcomes the initiative to hold an international conference in Lisbon, Portugal on drug trafficking on Guinea-Bissau in December 2007.

"The Security Council also expresses its concern with the fragility of the democratization process in Guinea-Bissau, as well as persistent economic and social crisis.

"The Security Council welcomes the scheduled convening of legislative elections in 2008 and calls on all segments of Guinea-Bissau society to ensure that the elections take place in a peaceful and orderly fashion. The Council further appeals to the international community to provide the necessary logistical and technical support to ensure the effective and timely organization of the polls.

"The Security Council further welcomes the improved dialogue between the Government of Guinea-Bissau and the Bretton Woods institutions and urges the Government to continue to implement its commitments in the areas of fiscal responsibility, reforms of the justice sector and good governance. The Council also welcomes the assistance provided to Guinea-Bissau by bilateral and multilateral partners, in particular the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Union and the World Bank, and encourages their enhanced constructive involvement in the country.

"The Security Council encourages the authorities of Guinea-Bissau to carry out their commitment concerning security sector reform. The Council also takes note of the announcement made by the European Union and ECOWAS to make resources available in support of security sector reform.

"The Security Council recognizes the importance of a holistic approach in resolving the complex and multidimensional situation facing Guinea-Bissau, and requests the Secretary-General to present proposals on how best the United Nations could provide effective assistance in an integrated and holistic manner to national efforts, in order to contribute to the sustainable stabilization of Guinea-Bissau.

"The Security Council takes note of the letter from the Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau requesting that Guinea-Bissau be placed on the Peacebuilding Commission, and expresses its intent to consider the request as a matter of priority.

"The Security Council reaffirms that peace and stability in Guinea-Bissau are critical for peace and security in the West African subregion. The Council recognizes the importance of the regional dimension in the resolution of the problems faced by Guinea-Bissau and, in this regard, welcomes the role being played by the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP) in the peacebuilding process in Guinea-Bissau.

"The Security Council recognizes and commends the important role played by the Representative of the Secretary-General and the staff of UNOGBIS, as well as by the United Nations country team, towards helping consolidate peace, democracy and the rule of law, and expresses its appreciation for their activities.

"The Security Council will keep the situation in Guinea-Bissau under active review."

New York - Following is today's statement to the press on Guinea-Bissau by Security Council President Dumisani S. Kumalo ( South Africa):

Members of the Security Council heard a briefing on 29 March 2007 from the Secretary-General's Representative in Guinea-Bissau, Shola Omoregie, on the developments in Guinea-Bissau, as contained in the latest Secretary-General's report.

Members of the Council expressed concern about the continuing political and social tensions, in particular conflicts between the National Assembly and the Government, which has led to the resignation of the Prime Minister yesterday. The Security Council calls on the parties to resolve their differences through dialogue and strict respect for the constitutional framework.


Members of the Council expressed serious concern at the drug and human trafficking, and organized crime, and call on the Government to do all it can to combat these problems, and calls on the international community to provide the necessary assistance to Guinea-Bissau, so as to strengthen the security institutions, to ensure the independence of State powers, particularly the judiciary and legislature.

Members of the Council appealed to the Government of Guinea-Bissau to take appropriate actions to put an end to the proliferation of small arms.

Members of the Council reiterated the importance of the donor community, the United Nations system, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries continuing to play an active role in Guinea-Bissau, so as to alleviate the suffering of the people of Guinea-Bissau, and stressed the need for continued engagement by the international financial institutions. In this regard, they expressed the readiness of the United Nations presence on the ground to work with them.

Members of the Council encouraged the Economic and Social Council's Ad Hoc Advisory Group on Guinea-Bissau and the International Contact Group to continue to play their constructive roles in Guinea-Bissau.

Members of the Council expressed continued support to the Representative of the Secretary-General and the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS) and its coordinating role with the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) on the ground regarding the implementation of the security sector reform following the Geneva round table.

Members of the Council welcomed the communiqué issued by the International Contact Group on Guinea Bissau at its second meeting held in Lisbon on 26 March 2007.

Members of the Council noted the benchmarks on UNOGBIS presented to the Council, and called on partners to cooperate in the implementation of programs towards an exit strategy.

Bissau - The Government of Guinea-Bissau has lifted the detention warrant issued against the President of the PAIGC, Mr. Carlos Gomes Júnior.

The Ministers of Justice and Interior conveyed the position of the Government to me at a meeting this morning. They informed me that the Government has decided to lift the warrant and that all matters pertaining to this case will be handled by the Public Ministry and the Prosecutor Office.

They said that Mr. Carlos Gomes Júnior can therefore return home without fear of arrest. The Government guarantees his safety and that of his family. The Minister of Interior has furthermore stated that his Ministry will provide additional protection should Mr. Gomes request this.

The Government hopes that Mr. Gomes will cooperate with the Public Ministry and Prosecutor Office in their inquiries, but stress that the modalities will be worked out between the Public Ministry, Mr. Carlos Gomes Júnior and the Permanent Commission of the ANP.

On behalf of the Secretary-General and the United Nations, I take this opportunity to express our deep thanks to the authorities for helping bring this matter to a close.

It is important that the whole country should focus on reconciliation, peace and development.

Bissau - UNOGBIS was informed this morning of the attempted arrest of Mr. Carlos Gomes Junior, Member of Parliament and President of PAIGC by elements of the Ministry of Interior.

Later, Mr. Gomes Jr. walked into the UN Building in Bissau, where he sought protection.

UNOGBIS is making all the necessary efforts in consultation with the local authorities to find an amicable resolution to the problem.

As indicated in the statement issued by the Secretary General on 8 January we are very concerned about the recent developments in Guinea Bissau, particularly the disturbances which occurred a few days ago. Any lose of life is a deep concern to the UN. It is hoped that all concerned would avoid allowing Impunity to prevail.

January 8, 2007 - Statement attributable to the Spokesperson of the Secretary-General
New York - The Secretary-General is very concerned at the heightened tensions in Guinea-Bissau following the killing of the country former Navy Chief, Commodore Lamine Sanha, on 4 January 2007. He is particularly distressed by the loss of life that occurred following the intervention of the security forces during protests against the killing.

The Secretary-General urges the government and political leaders to exercise utmost restraint, and to focus on development and reconciliation. He urges the people of Guinea-Bissau not to take the law into their own hands. And he strongly encourages all national stakeholders to find negotiated solutions to their differences, and to avoid allowing impunity to prevail.

New York - The following Security Council press statement was delivered today by Council President Nassir Abdulaziz al-Nasser (Qatar):

Members of the Security Council heard a briefing on 15 December from the newly appointed representative of the Secretary-General in Guinea-Bissau, Shola Omoregie, on recent developments in Guinea-Bissau, as contained in the latest Secretary-General's report (document S/2006/946).

Members of the Security Council expressed their concern over the precarious political, security and economic conditions in Guinea-Bissau.

Members of the Security Council are closely monitoring the situation and expressed appreciation for the informative report of the Secretary-General on developments in Guinea-Bissau, as well as the activities of the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau. Members of the Security Council commended the activities of UNOGBIS.

Members of the Security Council reiterated the appeal of the Secretary-General urging the political leaders to exercise restraint, focus on development and reconciliation and good governance, and to find negotiated solutions to their differences and to put the national interest above all.

Members of the Security Council called upon the international community, international institutions and donor partners to continue their support to Guinea-Bissau.

Members of the Security Council welcome the presentation of the Government of Guinea-Bissau of a new security sector reform plan and called for its early implementation with international support.