Security Council and Related

13 January 2012 - The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Baso Sangqu (South Africa):

The members of the Security Council were briefed on 10 January 2012 by B. Lynn Pascoe, Under-Secretary-General for Political Affairs, on the situation in Guinea-Bissau.

The members of the Security Council expressed their condolences to the Government and people of Guinea-Bissau on the death of President Malam Bacai Sanhá.

The members of the Security Council encouraged the authorities, political parties and the people of Guinea-Bissau to respect the legal and institutional framework for the transition phase and ensure the conditions for peaceful, timely, free, fair and transparent presidential elections are met.

The members of the Security Council condemned the attack by military officers against the army headquarters on 26 December 2011, and welcomed the actions of the civilian Government and the military to ensure public safety, respect for constitutional order, as well as the Government'€™s decision to investigate these attacks to hold accountable those responsible for the events of 26 December.

The members of the Security Council, recalling its resolution 2030 (2011), encouraged the Government of Guinea-Bissau and all stakeholders to continue to work together to respect the constitutional order, the rule of law and human rights, and to pursue political dialogue so as to preserve stability in the country and promote national reconciliation. The members of the Security Council reiterated their call on members of the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau to respect civilian rule, and further called on the authorities of Guinea-Bissau to intensify efforts to create the enabling environment for enhanced civilian control over the security forces, and fight impunity.

The members of the Security Council called on the Government to continue to pursue important reforms for the consolidation of peace and stability in Guinea-Bissau, especially regarding security-sector reform, with particular attention to the launching of the Pension Fund for members of the Armed Forces and efforts to counter narcotics trafficking. The members of the Security Council welcomed the announcement by Prime Minister Gomes Junior of a first phase of demobilization of military officers on 23 January 2012, which should be conducted in accordance with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS)/Comunidade dos Países de Língua Portuguesa (CPLP) road map.

The members of the Security Council expressed their commitment to continue to closely follow the situation in Guinea-Bissau and, in this regard, called on the United Nations Integrated Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) to work with the authorities, as well as with other international partners, in the preparation and support of upcoming elections, expected reforms and ongoing investigations.

28 June 2011 - The members of the Security Council were briefed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Joseph Mutaboba, and the Chair of the Guinea-Bissau The following Security Council press statement was issued today by Council President Noël Nelson Messone (Gabon):

The members of the Security Council were briefed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Joseph Mutaboba, and the Chair of the Guinea-Bissau Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti.

The members of the Security Council appreciated the presence of Aristides Ocante Da Silva, Minister of Defence of Guinea-Bissau, Manuel Domingos Augusto, Secretary of State for Political Affairs at the Ministry of External Relations of Angola and Chair of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP), and Domingos Simoes Pereira, Executive Secretary of the CPLP.

The members of the Security Council note the progress made by the Government of Guinea-Bissau towards the maintenance of stability and the important steps taken in achieving economic reform and encourage it to continue such efforts. They welcome the work of the National Assembly in taking forward national political dialogue among all parties as a way of enhancing efforts to promote national reconciliation.

The members of the Security Council stress the need for the authorities of Guinea-Bissau to intensify efforts to create the enabling environment for enhanced civilian control over the security forces of Guinea-Bissau, in particular the armed forces, and to make progress on security-sector reform. In this regard, they reiterate their call upon the security forces, in particular their senior officers, to abide by civilian control. They further call upon the Government of Guinea-Bissau and the security forces to participate fully in national efforts to implement current programmes for security-sector reform on schedule in order to create effective, professional and accountable security forces that respect the rule of law as part of the Government's commitments to its international partners.

The members of the Security Council welcome the endorsement by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Authority of the ECOWAS/CPLP road map on security-sector reform. They further welcome the commitment by the Government of Guinea-Bissau to its implementation, and underline the importance of full national ownership of the process. They acknowledged the security-sector reform initiatives already being implemented by international partners and further encourage external assistance to national authorities in order to ensure its successful implementation.

The members of the Security Council take note of the assessment by the United Nations Secretariat and the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS), in consultation with ECOWAS and CPLP, of the requirements to support the rapid implementation of the ECOWAS/CPLP road map, including those relating to the military leadership, and call for the swift implementation of its recommendations.

The members of the Security Council underline the need to operationalize the Pension Fund for the Armed Forces, which is a key part of the security-sector reform process and, in this context, welcome the allocation by ECOWAS and Angola of funds to it. They call upon other partners to participate in these efforts and encourage the Government of Guinea-Bissau to make provisions to ensure the sustainability of the Pension Fund in the long term.

The members of the Security Council call upon the Government of Guinea-Bissau to ensure the prosecution, with full respect for due process, of those responsible for criminal acts, such as political assassinations and drug trafficking, and call on the African Union, ECOWAS, the European Union, CPLP and bilateral partners to support these efforts.

The members of the Security Council remain concerned at the persistence of transnational organized crime, including illicit drug trafficking, which threatens peace and security in Guinea-Bissau and the subregion. In this regard, they reiterate the need to tackle the problem of illicit drug trafficking in the countries of origin, transit and final destination as a common and shared responsibility. They reiterate their call for the Government to continue taking steps to create an environment conducive to the implementation of the West African Coast Initiative and the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan to Address the Growing Problem of Illicit Drug Trafficking, Organised Crime and Drug Abuse in West Africa, and urge the United Nations, ECOWAS, CPLP, European Union and the African Union to step up assistance for this.

The members of the Security Council welcome the strategic work plan and benchmarks developed by UNIOGBIS and the United Nations country team, and affirm their strong commitment to a stable political, security and socio-economic environment in Guinea-Bissau, which is conducive to peace and development.

The following Security Council press statement was issued today (25 February 2011) by Council President Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti ( Brazil):

The members of the Security Council were briefed by the Special Representative of the Secretary-General, Joseph Mutaboba, and the Chair of the Guinea-Bissau Configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti.

The members of the Security Council appreciated the presence of a high-level delegation from Guinea-Bissau headed by Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Junior and composed of the Ministers for Foreign Affairs; National Defence; Economy, Planning and Regional Integration; and Justice. The Prime Minister briefed the Council on recent developments in the country.

The members of the Security Council noted the progress made by the Government of Guinea-Bissau in the maintenance of stability and constitutional order, including the work of the National Assembly on reconciliation. They welcomed the release of those previously detained in connection with the events of 1 April 2010. The members of the Security Council further welcomed the progress made on economic reform in Guinea-Bissau.

The members of the Security Council remain concerned at the insecurity and growth in transnational organized crime, including illicit drug trafficking, which threaten peace and security in Guinea-Bissau and in the subregion. In this regard, the members of the Security Council reiterated the need to tackle the problem of illicit drug trafficking in the countries of origin, transit and final destination as a common and shared responsibility.

The members of the Security Council underlined the need for the authorities of Guinea-Bissau to intensify efforts in creating the enabling environment for enhanced civilian control and reform of the security sector, fighting against impunity, and tackling illicit drug trafficking.

The members of the Security Council underlined the importance of strengthening the coordination among international actors and stakeholders, namely the United Nations, African Union, Economic Community of West African States, Community of Portuguese-speaking Countriesand the European Union in their continued support to the authorities of Guinea-Bissau.

The members of the Security Council expressed their appreciation tothe Economic Community of West African States andthe Community of Portuguese-speaking Countriesfor the road map with a view to providing training and protection to Guinea-Bissau State institutions within the framework of security-sector reform and looked forward to its timely endorsement by the Economic Community of West African States. They encouraged the Government of Guinea-Bissau to be fully committed to its endorsement and implementation. They reiterated their request to the Secretary-General to engage with the Economic Community of West African States and the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countrieswith a view to undertaking a joint assessment of the requirements to support the rapid implementation of the Economic Community of West African States/Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countriesroad map. The members of the Security Council indicated their expectation to receive the outcome of the joint assessment as soon as possible, and prior to the next scheduled consultations on the situation in Guinea-Bissau.

The members of the Security Council will remain seized of efforts to consolidate peace in Guinea-Bissau.

22 Jul 2010 - The following Security Council press statement was read out today by Council President U. Joy Ogwu (Nigeria), President for July.

"The Security Council recalls its previous statements and resolutions on Guinea-Bissau and further recalls the events of 1 April 2010. The Council notes the efforts of the government of Guinea-Bissau towards achieving stability in the country, but expresses concern at the current security situation and threats to constitutional order. The Council stresses the critical importance of the President, government, political leaders, armed forces and people of Guinea-Bissau meeting their responsibilities to work towards national reconciliation, maintaining stability and constitutional order, fighting impunity, and respecting the rule of law.

"The Security Council calls upon the government of Guinea-Bissau to release immediately all those detained in the events of 1 April 2010 or prosecute them with full respect for due process.

"The Security Council stresses that genuine security sector reform requires the creation of effective professional and accountable security forces and respect for the rule of law. The Council therefore calls upon the government of Guinea-Bissau to create the conditions for reform of the security services, calls upon the security forces, in particular the military, to fulfil their commitment to abide by civilian control and calls upon both to implement current programmes for security sector reform on schedule.

"The Security Council expresses serious concern about the continued growth in drug trafficking, as well as organized crime, which threatens peace and security in Guinea-Bissau and in the sub-region. The Council calls upon the authorities of Guinea-Bissau to create the necessary environment to ensure that actions to tackle drug trafficking and organized crime, including actions supported by the international community, are effective.

"The Security Council also recognizes the shared responsibility of states where drugs are produced and consumed, as well as transit states, to take measures to hold accountable those who engage in, or otherwise facilitate, drug trafficking through Guinea-Bissau. In this regard, the Council welcomes the commitment of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) with the European Union (EU), the UN and other partners for the immediate implementation of the ECOWAS Regional Action Plan on Drug Trafficking and Organized Crime, including options for targeted sanctions against those individuals identified as members or supporters of the drug trafficking network. The Council agrees to keep the situation under active review, and to consider appropriate action.

"The Security Council welcomes the Final Communiqué of the 38th Ordinary Session of the Authority of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, expressing the need to promptly establish a mechanism for ensuring the safety of state civilian institutions in Guinea-Bissau. The Council invites the government of Guinea-Bissau and the international community to cooperate fully with ECOWAS to that effect.

"The Security Council welcomes the continued engagement of the Peacebuilding Commission and also calls for the swift implementation of the United Nations Framework for Peace and Development in Guinea-Bissau. The Council further welcomes the role of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau's efforts to coordinate actions by partners, in particular the African Union, ECOWAS, the EU and the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP), for their assistance in the area of security sector reform.

"The Security Council acknowledges the National Assembly's plans to convene a national conference on "Conflicts in Guinea-Bissau: Causes Prevention, Resolution and Consequences," scheduled for January 2011 and underscores the need to conduct a genuine and inclusive political dialogue aimed at ensuring effective functioning of state institutions and national reconciliation. The Council welcomes, in that regard, efforts made by regional leaders, in particular President Pedro Pires of Cape Verde, to engage in a constructive dialogue with the leadership of Guinea-Bissau.

"The Council requests the Secretary-General to brief the Security Council, as appropriate, on progress made in addressing these issues as well as what further action may be required to support their continued implementation."

1 April 2010 - The members of the Security Council express their concern and also support the statement of the Secretary General over the recent military incidents in Guinea Bissau. The members of the Security Council urge all parties to avoid acts of violence, uphold constitutional order and respect the rule of law in Guinea Bissau. The members stress the need for the parties to preserve the ongoing peace consolidation efforts and resolve their differences through dialogue.

5 March 2010 - The following Security Council press statement on Guinea-Bissau was read out today by Council President Emanuel Issoze-Ngondet (Gabon):

The members of the Security Council were briefed by Joseph Mutaboba, Special Representative of the Secretary-General in Guinea-Bissau, on the situation in Guinea-Bissau. The members welcomed the progress made by the Government of Guinea-Bissau on its stabilization and reform agenda and the launching by the National Assembly of a process for reconciliation and dialogue. The members stressed the critical importance of the President, Government, political leaders, armed forces and people of Guinea-Bissau to continuing to meet their responsibilities to work towards national reconciliation, maintain stability and constitutional order, and respect the rule of law.

The members of the Security Council reaffirmed that security-sector reform remains critical to peace and development in Guinea-Bissau and expressed their support for the efforts undertaken in particular by the United Nations, African Union, Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the European Union, and underlined the need for the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS), in collaboration with all relevant partners, to continue to coordinate international assistance in this area.

The members of the Security Council welcomed the continued engagement of the Peacebuilding Commission and encouraged it to assist the Government of Guinea-Bissau in mobilizing the support and resources needed to consolidate peace and security, as well as promote sustainable development in accordance with the national priorities elaborated in the Peacebuilding Strategic Framework for Guinea-Bissau.

The members of the Security Council will remain seized with the efforts to consolidate peace in Guinea-Bissau.

5 November 2009 - The full text of the presidential statement read out by the Council's President Thomas Mayr-Harting (Austria):

"The Security Council recalls its previous statements and resolutions on Guinea-Bissau, and notes the latest report of the Secretary-General on developments in Guinea-Bissau, and on the activities of the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS). The Council reaffirms its support for the continuing efforts to consolidate peace in that country.

"The Security Council welcomes the peaceful presidential elections that were held on 28 June and 26 July 2009, and the inauguration of President Malam Bacai Sanhá on 8 September. It also takes note of the President's commitment to combat impunity, foster national reconciliation and achieve socio-economic development. The Council reiterates that human rights and fundamental freedoms of the people of Guinea-Bissau must be fully protected. It urges again the Armed Forces of Guinea-Bissau to ensure that their commitment to abide by the civilian authorities and respect constitutional order is fully honoured.

"The Security Council also takes note of the National Assembly's plans to convene a national conference on "Conflicts in Guinea-Bissau: causes, prevention, resolution and consequences", and underscores the need to conduct an inclusive political dialogue process aimed at ensuring national reconciliation in the country.

"The Security Council reiterates the importance of consolidating democracy, security, the rule of law, national reconciliation and the fight against impunity to ensure sustainable peace in Guinea-Bissau. In this regard, it takes note of the ongoing consultations between the United Nations, the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP), to assist the Government of Guinea-Bissau, at its request, in carrying out a credible, thorough, and expeditious investigation, in accordance with international standards, into the political assassinations of March and June 2009. The Security Council calls upon the Government of Guinea-Bissau to expedite this process, and calls on the abovementioned organizations and the international community as a whole, to bring their support to this end.

"The Security Council underlines the challenges faced by the Government of Guinea-Bissau, in particular to ensure that the Security sector is effective, professional and accountable. In this regard, the Council emphasizes the necessity of pursuing and implementing an effective and comprehensive national strategy for security sector reform, to be supported by the international partners. The Council reiterates its request for the Secretary-General, through his Special Representative for Guinea-Bissau and the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS), for an effective coordination of the support provided by the international community to security sector reform in Guinea-Bissau, taking into account the work already undertaken by the European Union and other international actors in this area.

"The Security Council urges the Government of Guinea-Bissau to take the necessary actions in the framework of the Guinea-Bissau anti-narcotics operational Plan and the ECOWAS Plan of action against drug trafficking and organized crime in West Africa. The Council further notes that the situation in Guinea-Bissau continues to be extremely fragile, in particular as a result of increased drug trafficking and organized crime that could pose a threat to regional stability, and should be addressed by an approach of shared responsibility. In this context, the Council welcomes the progress in implementing the West Africa Coast Initiative involving ECOWAS, commends the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Department for Peacekeeping Operations, Department for Political Affairs and the International Criminal Police Organization (INTERPOL) in support of the fight against organized crime and drug trafficking in West Africa, and calls on the international partners to continue supporting this partnership and the efforts of the national authorities to strengthen activities on policing and internal security, including law enforcement and border control, as part of the security sector reform process.

"The Security Council calls on the international community to provide timely and adequate support for the implementation of the Strategic Framework for Peacebuilding in Guinea-Bissau, adopted on 1 October 2008 by the Peacebuilding Commission, including that of the quick-impacts projects. The Council takes note of the importance of building synergies among the donors. It further takes note of the preparations for the first review of the Strategic Framework for Peacebuilding in Guinea-Bissau, and looks forward to its finalization. The Security Council reiterates its support for the work of the Peacebuilding Commission country-specific configuration on Guinea-Bissau.

"The Security Council welcomes the ongoing planning for the transition of UNOGBIS to an Integrated Peacebuilding Office (UNIOGBIS) on 1 January 2010, and looks forward to the timely development of an Integrated Strategic Framework, including a strategic workplan with appropriate benchmarks to measure and track progress on the implementation of the new office's mandate.

"The Security Council reiterates the importance of the regional dimension in the resolution of the problems faced by Guinea-Bissau and, in this regard, welcomes the role of the ECOWAS, the African Union, the CPLP, and the European Union in the peacebuilding process in that country."

June 9, 2009 - The following Security Council press statement on Guinea-Bissau was read out today by Council President Baki Ä°lkin (Turkey):

The members of the Security Council condemned in the strongest terms the killing in Guinea-Bissau on 5 June 2009 of Baciro Dabo, one of the candidates on the coming presidential elections of 28 June 2009 and Helder Proença, a former Minister of Defence, and two of his bodyguards. They expressed their deep sympathy and condolences to the families of the victims and people of Guinea-Bissau.
The members of the Security Council called on the Government of Guinea-Bissau to bring to justice those responsible for these violent acts. They stressed the importance of national reconciliation and the fight against impunity in Guinea-Bissau.
The members of the Security Council expressed their deep concern over the resurgence of political violence, which constitutes a tragic setback to efforts to restore peace and stability, as well as the rule of law and democratic process in the country.
The members of the Security Council reiterated their call to the Government, the political leaders, the Armed Forces and people of the Guinea-Bissau to exercise restraint, maintain stability and constitutional order, and respect the rule of law and the democratic process. They call them to ensure that these events will not disrupt the electoral process.
The members of the Security Council welcomed in this regard the statements condemning the incident by the Secretary-General of the United Nations, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), the African Union, the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) and the European Union.
The members of the Security Council called on the international community to work closely with the Government of Guinea-Bissau, and regional and subregional organizations to support the investigations into the pattern of killings of high profile personalities in Guinea-Bissau for effective and transparent inquiries, and to ensure that the necessary conditions are put in place for the holding of free, fair and transparent presidential elections, which is a key to peace and stability in the country.
The members of the Security Council reaffirmed their full support to the consolidation of peace in Guinea-Bissau.

The following Security Council press statement was read out today by Council President Neven Jurica (Croatia):

The members of the Security Council were briefed on the situation in Guinea-Bissau and on the activities of the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS) on 11 December 2008 by the Representative of the Secretary-General, Shola Omoregie.

The members of the Security Council welcomed the successful organization of the legislative elections on 16 November 2008 and called upon the authorities of Guinea-Bissau to ensure the installation of the new Parliament and Government as soon as possible.

The members of the Security Council reiterated their deep concern over the security situation in Guinea-Bissau, and their support to the implementation of the Security Sector Reform (SSR) Programme in Guinea-Bissau. They called on UNOGBIS and the United Nations more broadly to coordinate closely with relevant stakeholders already engaged in support to Guinea-Bissau on SSR, including the European Union.

The members of the Security Council welcomed the successful holding in Praia ( Cape Verde) on 28-29 October 2008 of the "ECOWAS [Economic Community of West African States] Ministerial Conference on Drug Trafficking as a Security Threat to West Africa", and took note of the resulting draft Political Declaration and Regional Action Plan. They looked forward to their adoption by the next ECOWAS Summit and called for their implementation. They also welcomed the creation of the National Commission on Human Rights of Guinea-Bissau.

The members of the Security Council requested the Secretary-General to elaborate recommendations on transforming UNOGBIS into an integrated office, and looked forward to considering these recommendations.

The members of the Security Council underscored the need for continued support to Guinea-Bissau and commended once again the contribution of the country's bilateral and multilateral partners and UNOGBIS, to the peacebuilding process in Guinea-Bissau.

The members of the Security Council expressed their appreciation to the Representative of the Secretary-General, Shola Omoregie, for his contribution to peace consolidation in Guinea-Bissau and wish him success in his future endeavours.

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."

The following Security Council press statement on Guinea-Bissau was read out today by Council President Alejandro D. Wolff (United States):

The Security Council was briefed on the situation in Guinea-Bissau on 25 June by the Representative of the Secretary-General, Shola Omoregie, by the Executive Director of United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC), Antonio Maria Costa and by the Chair of the country-specific configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission for Guinea-Bissau, Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti.

The members of the Council welcomed the progress on the preparations for the legislative elections scheduled for 16 November 2008 and call upon the Government of Guinea-Bissau and all parties to ensure an environment conducive to free and fair elections. They commended the international partners for their pledges in support of the elections and they urged the international community to continue to provide technical, material and financial resources, in order to fill the current gaps and ensure effective and timely elections.

The members of the Council reiterated their concern over the acute threat posed by drug trafficking and organized crime to the peace-consolidation process in Guinea-Bissau. They noted the efforts by the Government of Guinea-Bissau with the continued support by the international community in the implementation of the anti-narcotics operational plan and called on the international community to further enhance support for national and regional efforts to combat this scourge. They applauded the recent steps taken by the Government to bring drug traffickers to justice and recommended prompt follow-up to these actions.

They called on the Government to cooperate fully at regional and international levels in order to tackle drug trafficking and organized crime. They welcomed the decision of Cape Verde to host the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) regional Conference on drug trafficking and organized crime in West Africa.

The members of the Council reiterated the importance of security sector reform in Guinea-Bissau and urged the Government to intensify its efforts on all aspects of reform of the security sector. They welcomed the start of the European Security and Defence Policy mission in Guinea-Bissau and called on the donor community to continue to contribute financially in order to complement the European Union's support provided to security sector reform and law enforcement and the criminal justice system.

The members of the Council expressed support and encouragement for the Government's collaboration with the Peacebuilding Commission and looked forward to the country's strategic framework for peacebuilding. They stand ready to consider, as appropriate, the recommendations of the Secretary-General, in particular to strengthen the capacity of United Nations Peace-building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS) and the United Nations country team to provide the required support to the peacebuilding process in an integrated and efficient manner.

The members of the Council reiterated their support for the action undertaken by the African Union, ECOWAS, and the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), in the peacebuilding process in Guinea-Bissau.

The following Security Council press statement on Guinea-Bissau was read out today by Council President Jorge Urbina (Costa Rica):

The members of the Security Council welcomed the holding on 16 November 2008 of the legislative elections in Guinea-Bissau, as scheduled, in an orderly and peaceful manner. They congratulated the Government and the people of Guinea-Bissau for their commendable commitment and mobilization on that occasion.

The members of the Security Council expressed their appreciation for the dedicated efforts of the National Electoral Commission in organizing these elections, and the contribution of the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS) and other multilateral and bilateral partners to the process.

The members of the Council called on the political parties and leaders of Guinea-Bissau to respect the results of the elections and to resolve any related concerns through peaceful means, respecting the rule of law.

The members of the Security Council encouraged the international community to continue to support Guinea-Bissau on its path to peace and security, particularly through the implementation of the Peacebuilding Commission's integrated peacebuilding strategy.