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.