Bissau, 2 September 2011 - The Special Representative of the UN Secretary-General for Guinea-Bissau, Joseph Mutaboba, today urged all Bissau-Guineans, including representatives of all political parties to actively engage in activities and actions aiming at consolidating peace and stability in the country.

In a statement issued today, SRSG Mutaboba "wishes to urge all Bissau-Guineans, including representatives of all political parties, civil society organizations, and the population in general, to actively engage in activities and actions aiming at consolidating peace and stability in the country".

The SRSG "believes that, at this juncture, all national stakeholders should continue to actively and constructively engage in actions that will consolidate the gains made so far by Guinea-Bissau on the path to stability and economic recovery, with the support of all international partners, including the United Nations."

While acknowledging "the important and courageous reforms that are taking place in the country, under the leadership of the national authorities", the SRSG calls on the leadership and people of Guinea-Bissau to continue to play a constructive role in the peacebuilding and strengthening of the rule of law and democratic governance in the country; pursue their efforts in the building up of credible institutions in the country; participate in the rehabilitation of the justice system and the fight against impunity, in accordance with Security Council resolutions; and maintain a political climate that allows the country to continue to enjoy the confidence of international partners, especially in the ongoing reforms of the defense and security sector."

Finally, SRSG stresses that "while peaceful demonstrations should be welcomed acts in the democratic space", all stakeholders, including the opposition parties, should demonstrate their "sense of responsibility and refrain from actions and statements that are likely to fuel tensions in the country, at a time when Guinea-Bissau is embarked on a constructive path with the international community to achieve longstanding reforms that are crucial for the stability and development of the country."