Bissau - We have just concluded a meeting convened by the Representative of the Secretary-General to discuss the attacks last night against President João Bernardo Vieira that were directed at his official Residence. The international community has agreed to issue the following message of solidarity with the President of the Republic and concern about the attempt to destabilize the country:

We the Ambassadors accredited to Guinea-Bissau and the Representatives of international organizations condemn in the strongest possible terms the attacks early in the morning of 23 November, against the President at his official residence. We also condemn the dissident elements of the Armed Forces that have orchestrated these attacks and strongly urge them to refrain from any action that will further destabilize the country, as any such actions of impunity will no longer be tolerated.

We urge all parties to remain calm, particularly the security forces, and not to take any action that can be interpreted as aggressive or partisan in any way. At this critical time, the role of the security forces and its leadership has to support the rule of law."