Statement [Made on Behalf of the Security Council, at the 5762nd Meeting, 19 Oct. 2007, in Connection with the Council's Consideration of the Item Entitled "the Situation in Guinea-Bissau"]

S/PRST/2007/38View PDF

Who adopted this document and its mandates?

A Presidential Statement of the Security Council, under agenda item 186 The situation in Guinea-Bissau, published in 2007.

What subjects does this mandate have?

14 subjects

Bretton Woods Institutions Democratization Development Assistance Drug Traffic Elections Governance Guinea-Bissau Internal Security Organized Crime Peacebuilding Regional Security Rule of Law Security Sector Reform Trafficking in Persons

What’s in this document?

15 paragraphs

* Reissued for technical reasons.

At the 5762nd meeting of the Security Council, held on 19 October 2007, in connection with the Council’s consideration of the item entitled “The situation in Guinea-Bissau”, the President of the Security Council made the following statement on behalf of the Council:

“The Security Council, recalling its previous statements on Guinea-Bissau, and having considered 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 (S/2007/576), reaffirms its support for the continuing efforts to consolidate peace in that country.

“The Security Council notes with deep concern the threat posed by drug and human trafficking which can undermine the important gains made with respect to rule of law, democratic and transparent governance. The Council further notes that the danger posed by drug trafficking in Guinea-Bissau could have negative implications towards the region as well as other regions.

“The Security Council is especially concerned over the security and safety of Bissau-Guinean officials involved in combating drug trafficking and organized crime. The Security Council therefore calls upon the government with appropriate support from the international community to take concerted action to safeguard the safety and security of those officials who are involved in combating these activities.

“The Security Council welcomes the decision by ECOWAS to convene later this year a regional conference on combating drug trafficking, aimed at developing a regional plan of action to deal with this challenge. The Security Council calls for urgent consideration of how the UN System might improve its support for Guinea-Bissau’s fight against international drug trafficking and organized crime. The Security Council recognizes the importance of containing and reversing the threat of drug trafficking to the peace consolidation process in Guinea-Bissau. The Security Council further recognizes in particular the important role of the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crime (UNODC). The Council requests the Secretary-General to report on this matter as soon as practicable. The Council further welcomes the initiative to hold an international conference in Lisbon, Portugal, on drug trafficking on Guinea-Bissau in December 2007.

“The Security Council also expresses its concern with the fragility of the democratization process in Guinea-Bissau as well as persistent economic and social crisis.

“The Security Council welcomes the scheduled convening of legislative elections in 2008 and calls on all segments of Bissau-Guinean society to ensure that the elections take place in a peaceful and orderly fashion. The Council further appeals to the international community to provide the necessary logistical and technical support to ensure the effective and timely organization of the polls.

“The Security Council further welcomes the improved dialogue between the Government of Guinea-Bissau and the Bretton Woods Institutions and urges the Government to continue to implement its commitments in the areas of fiscal responsibility, reforms of the justice Sector and good governance. The Council also welcomes the assistance provided to Guinea-Bissau by bilateral and multilateral partners, in particular the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), the European Union and the World Bank, and encourages their enhanced constructive involvement in the country.

“The Security Council encourages the authorities of Guinea-Bissau to carry out their commitment concerning Security Sector Reform. The Council also takes note of the announcement made by the European Union and ECOWAS to make resources available in support of Security Sector Reform.

“The Security Council recognizes the importance of a holistic approach in resolving the complex and multidimensional situation facing Guinea-Bissau and request the Secretary-General to present proposals on how best the United Nations could provide effective assistance in an integrated and holistic manner to national efforts in order to contribute to the sustainable stabilization of Guinea-Bissau.

“The Security Council takes note of the letter from the Prime Minister of Guinea-Bissau requesting Guinea-Bissau be placed on the agenda of the Peacebuilding Commission and expresses its intent to consider the request as a matter of priority.

“The Security Council reaffirms that peace and stability in Guinea-Bissau are critical for peace and security in the West African sub-region. The Council recognizes the importance of the regional dimension in the resolution of the problems faced by Guinea-Bissau and, in this regard, welcomes the role being played by the African Union, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), and the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP), in the peace-building process in Guinea-Bissau.

“The Security Council recognizes and commends the important role played by the Representative of the Secretary-General and the staff of UNOGBIS, as well as by the United Nations country team, towards helping consolidate peace, democracy and the rule of law, and expresses its appreciation for their activities.

“The Security Council will keep the situation in Guinea-Bissau under active review.”

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