November 25, 2008 – Security Council statement on the attack

New York - The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the violent attack on the residence of the President of Guinea-Bissau, Joao Bernardo Vieira, on 23 November 2008 by military elements. The members of the Security Council regretted that such a serious incident occurred after the peaceful and orderly elections of 16 November 2008.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their full support to the democratic process.

The members of the Security Council called on the Government of Guinea-Bissau to bring to justice those responsible for this attack, and urged all parties in Guinea-Bissau to cooperate actively with the authorities in this regard.

The members of the Security Council also urged all parties to resolve any disputes through political and peaceful means within the framework of the rule of law. The members of the Security Council stressed that the international community would not accept a return to violence.