Bissau - The UN has learned with consternation about the murder of Mr. Baciro Dabó, former Minister of Territorial Administration and a candidate in the forthcoming presidential elections, and the Member of Parliament, Mr. Helder Proença, and two other persons on 5 June.

We draw the attention of the need of the authorities to protect the physical integrity of human life, which is an inalienable human right. We remind the authorities that all issues should be addressed in total respect of the Rule of Law and human rights. The United Nations is closely following and apprising the Secretary-General of the United Nations on these critical developments.

The United Nations stands by its commitment to support Guinea-Bissau to consolidate peace and democratic order. It is important that there is calm in the aftermath of these serious and regrettable events and that the electoral process and the full restoration of constitutional order should not be derailed.