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UNITED NATIONS: Statement on Security Council resolution on Guinea Bissau 1998.12.22

UNITED NATIONS: Statement on Security Council resolution on Guinea Bissau 1998.12.22


Source: UN Department of Public Information (DPI) Date: 21 Dec 1998

Security Council calls on parties in Guinea-Bissau to urgently form government of national unity

The Security Council on Monday called on the parties in Guinea-Bissau to urgently form a government of national unity and to hold elections not later than the end of March 1999.

In resolution 1216 (1998) adopted unanimously, the Council called for the full implementation of the agreements between the Government of Guinea-Bissau and the Self-Proclaimed Military Junta signed in August, November and December. The agreements, in part, provide for respect for the ceasefire, the immediate opening of the airport and seaport in Bissau, the withdrawal of all foreign troops in the country and the simultaneous deployment of the interposition force of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) Military Observer Group (ECOMOG).

The Council commended the Member States of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries and ECOWAS on their key role in the restoration of peace and security throughout Guinea-Bissau and their intention to participate in the observation of the forthcoming general and presidential elections. The Council welcomed ECOMOG's role in guaranteeing security along the Guinea-Bissau/Senegal border, keeping apart the parties to the conflict and guaranteeing free access to humanitarian organizations and agencies to reach all the affected civilian populations.

The Council approved the implementation by the ECOMOG interposition force of its mandate in a neutral and impartial way and in conformity with United Nations peacekeeping standards. It called on all concerned, including the Government and the Self-Proclaimed Military Junta, to strictly respect relevant provisions of international law and to ensure safe and unimpeded access by international organizations to persons in need of assistance as a result of the conflict.

The Council also requested the Secretary-General to make recommendations on a possible role of the United Nations in the peace process and reconciliation in Guinea-Bissau.

[ENDS]

Date: Tue, 22 Dec 1998 12:22:49 +0000 (GMT) From: UN IRIN - West Africa <irin-wa@wa.ocha.unon.org> Subject: UNITED NATIONS: Statement on Security Council resolution on Guinea Bissau 1998.12.22

Editor: Ali B. Ali-Dinar

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