GUINEA-BISSAU: UNSC PRESS STATEMENT FOR JUNE 9

UNCLAS STATE 059128 SIPDIS E.O. 12958: N/A TAGS: UNSC PREL PHUM SNAR PU XA XY SUBJECT: GUINEA-BISSAU: UNSC PRESS STATEMENT FOR JUNE 9 ¶1. USUN is instructed to join consensus on the UN Security Council press statement on Guinea-Bissau to be adopted on June 9 (para 2). USUN should refer any further substantive changes on the press statement to the Department prior to joining consensus for adoption. ¶2. Begin text: The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the killing in Guinea-Bissau on 5 June 2009 of Mr. Baciro Dabo, one of the candidates on the coming presidential elections of 28 June 2009 and M. Helder Proena, a former Minister of Defense, and two of his bodyguards. It expressed its deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, and to the Government and people of Guinea-Bissau. The members of the Security Council called on the Government of Guinea-Bissau to bring to justice those responsible for these violent acts. The members of the Security Council welcomed in this regard the statement condemning the incident by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS),and the Secretary General of the United Nations. The members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern on the resurgence of political violence, which is a tragic setback for efforts to restore peace and stability, as well as the rule of law and democratic process in the country. They regretted that this event occurred at a time the country is preparing for presidential elections. The members of the Security Council reiterated their call to the Government, the political stakeholders, the Armed Forces and people of the Guinea-Bissau to exercise restraint, maintain stability and constitutional order and respect the rule of law and the ongoing democratic process. They stressed the importance of national reconciliation and the fight against impunity in Guinea-Bissau. The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their full support to the peace consolidation in Guinea-Bissau. CLINTON