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."