The following Security Council press statement was read out today by Council President Ibrahim Dabbashi (Libya): 1. The Security Council condemns in the strongest terms the assassinations of the President of Guinea-Bissau, Joao Bernardo Vieira, and the Chief of Staff of the Armed Forces, Tagme Na Waie, on 1 and 2 March 2009. It expresses its deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims, and to the people and the Government of Guinea-Bissau.

"2. The Security Council calls on the Government of Guinea-Bissau to bring to justice those responsible for these violent acts. It calls upon the Government, the political leaders, the Armed Forces and the people of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm, exercise restrain, maintain stability and constitutional order and respect the rule of law and the democratic process. It also urges all parties to resolve their disputes through political and peaceful means within the framework of its democratic institutions and opposes any attempt to change the Government through unconstitutional means.

"3. The Security Council welcomes, in this regard, the statements condemning the incidents by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States, the European Union and other members of the international community, and calls on al to assist in preserving the constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau and to continue to support peacebuilding efforts in the country.

"4. The Security Council reaffirms its commitment to support the efforts of the Government and people of Guinea-Bissau to consolidate democratic institutions, peace and stability in that country.

"5. The Security Council shall remain seized of the developments in Guinea-Bissau."