Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
08STATE129531
2008-12-10 00:32:00
UNCLASSIFIED
Secretary of State
Cable title:  

GUIDANCE FOR DECEMBER 11 CONSULTATIONS ON

Tags:  UNSC PREL PHUM SNAR PU XA XY 
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VZCZCXYZ0020
OO RUEHWEB

DE RUEHC #9531 3450039
ZNR UUUUU ZZH
O 100032Z DEC 08
FM SECSTATE WASHDC
TO USMISSION USUN NEW YORK IMMEDIATE 4089
UNCLAS STATE 129531 

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNSC PREL PHUM SNAR PU XA XY
SUBJECT: GUIDANCE FOR DECEMBER 11 CONSULTATIONS ON
GUINEA-BISSAU

UNCLAS STATE 129531

SIPDIS

E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: UNSC PREL PHUM SNAR PU XA XY
SUBJECT: GUIDANCE FOR DECEMBER 11 CONSULTATIONS ON
GUINEA-BISSAU


1. (U) This is an action request. USUN should draw from the
statement in para 2 during the UN Security Council
consultations on Guinea-Bissau December 11.


2. Begin Statement:

I would like to thank Under Secretary General Pascoe for
briefing the UNSC on the situation in Guinea-Biassau. Today,
I would like to make three points.

First, the United States congratulates the government and
people of Guinea- Bissau on their successful November 16
legislative elections. This election should serve as an
encouragement for democracies throughout Africa and around
the world. The U.S. and international observers witnessed an
election that was transparent, well-organized, and
well-executed despite minor technical issues. The United
States also condemns the attack on President Vieira,s
residence, and calls on all political parties to respect
fully the election results and to work together to build a
prosperous and secure future for Guinea-Bissau.

Second, while the elections are a significant achievement, we
recognize the importance of Security Sector Reform (SSR) in
Guinea-Bissau. In that light, we are encouraged by the
informal meeting on SSR and Guinea-Bissau that took place in
June at the Peacebuilding Commission, and commend the
Government of Guinea-Bissau for its cooperation with the UN
SSR Inter-Agency Assessment Mission. The U.S. encourages the
implementation of the SSR Program that will ensure effective
security and justice reforms.

Third, the U.S. is concerned over the growth in drug
trafficking activities in Guinea-Bissau. If left unchecked,
the drug traffickers could present a clear challenge to the
Government of Guinea-Bissau,s governing authority. The U.S.
notes with particular concern reported involvement of
high-ranking national officials in these activities and
reiterates that the increasing incidence of drug trafficking
threatens peace and security in Guinea-Bissau and in the
sub-region.

Lastly, we thank 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 in Guinea-Biassau.
RICE