1 January 2010 - The United Nations is in "constant contact" with Guinea-Bissau in order to resolve the case of a former high ranking military who has entered United Nations premises in Bissau unnanounced and requested protection, the UN says in a statement.

According to the document, "on 28 December 2009, former Rear Admiral Americo Bubo Na Tchuto entered United Nations premises in Bissau unnanounced and requested protection, stating that he was afraid for his life." "Aware of the serious allegations he faces, and also mindful of international human rights obligations governing such situations, the United Nations has been in constant contact since that time with national authorities with a view to resolving the matter peacefully and lawfully.

While regretting the situation, the UN expresses its determination "to resolve it as quickly as possible." "We urge patience on the part of the national authorities while we work with them to arrive at an acceptable, peaceful, lawful solution", the document states.

Finally, the United Nations system in Guinea-Bissau commends "the Government of Guinea-Bissau for the steps they are taking to find a prompt, adequate and proper resolution to the problem of the presence of Rear Admiral Bubo Na Tchuto in the UN compound."