S/PV.6149 Security Council

I thank Mr. Mutaboba for his briefing. I now give the floor to Mrs. Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti. Mrs. Viotti: I thank the Security Council and you, Sir, for the kind invitation to participate in this debate in my capacity as Chair of the Guinea-Bissau configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission. I would like to express appreciation to the Representative of the Secretary-General in Guinea- Bissau, Mr. Joseph Mutaboba, for his comprehensive briefing. Since 8 April, when I last appeared before the Council, a number of developments have affected peacebuilding in Guinea-Bissau, in particular the assassinations of Mr. Baciro Dabó, a candidate in the upcoming presidential election, and Mr. Helder Proença, a Member of Parliament and former Minister of Defence. The Guinea-Bissau configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission joined this Council and other international organizations in strongly condemning such actions. As is widely known, the assassinations took place only three months after the brutal killings of President João Bernardo Vieira and General Tagme Na Waie and were preceded by episodes of political unrest and physical attacks on public figures. The sequence of events suggests the continuation of a pattern of using violence for political aims and for settling old scores. Aside from being utterly deplorable, such a pattern is counterproductive, as the sad reality of the past decades has shown. Only by upholding the rule of law and the constitutional order will Bissau Guineans be able to break the cycle of violence and advance towards the consolidation of peace and development. A full and credible investigation of the assassinations of March and June is therefore necessary and must be supported. In spite of those tragic and worrisome events, it is reassuring that the presidential elections will take place on 28 June, as scheduled. Every effort must be made to ensure that they are conducted in an atmosphere of tranquillity, that the electoral process is free, fair and transparent, and that the results are respected. Holding elections in such a manner is crucial not only to help to normalize political life by ensuring the legitimacy of the country’s political leadership, but also to enable a process of national reconciliation to be launched. The upcoming vote, if properly conducted, may pave the way for a true dialogue among the main political forces and lead to an environment conducive to a peaceful and democratic resolution of disputes. Such an endeavour, which is crucial for peacebuilding, must be encouraged and supported by the international community. The mitigation of the serious socio-economic problems of the country and the adoption of a long- term strategy for its development are also critical to peacebuilding. It is important that the international community take an integrated approach to peacebuilding in Guinea-Bissau, as the political and economic sides of the equation are mutually supportive. The political instability in Guinea-Bissau since March has shown the need for the country-specific configuration to redouble its efforts. We have remained engaged throughout that difficult period. On 17 April I visited Guinea-Bissau for consultations with Government authorities, including with interim President Raimundo Pereira, Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Júnior and Minister for Defence Artur Silva. Our conversations focused on Peacebuilding Commission support for the presidential elections and on the heightened need to vigorously pursue the reform of the security sector. On 20 April, I participated in the round table on security sector reform held in Praia, Cape Verde. The meeting provided an opportunity for a presentation by the Government of Guinea-Bissau of its plans and proposals on security sector reform and for a thorough discussion with international partners. Among other considerations, the outcome of the meeting pointed to the need to set up a pension fund for members of the military who will go into retirement and to ensure realistic and yet attractive conditions for the reintegration of former combatants into civilian life. A short-term plan of action is expected to be developed in order to guide future actions. The country-specific meeting will continue its engagement with Guinea-Bissau by encouraging and supporting a national dialogue on peacebuilding and reconciliation after the elections. Soon afterwards, it will be important for the meeting to re-engage with national stakeholders in tackling the priorities outlined in the strategic framework for peacebuilding, especially security sector reform, youth employment and the fight against drug trafficking. I also intend to launch a discussion within the country-specific meeting about a possible recommendation on a second tranche of Peacebuilding Fund resources and to continue consultations regarding a possible donors’ conference later this year. The continued dialogue with international financial institutions also remains extremely important. We welcome the recent approval of the interim strategy note of the World Bank, as well as the approval of a new credit line to the country. The success of peacebuilding in Guinea-Bissau requires a stronger and more coherent United Nations presence on the ground. That is why the recommendations contained in the report (S/2009/302) of the Secretary-General concerning the transformation of the United Nations Peacebuilding Support Office in Guinea-Bissau into an integrated office deserve our full support. They are timely and well founded. Giving the United Nations Office in Guinea-Bissau a robust mandate, along with the corresponding resources, is the most politically wise and financially cost-effective decision that the Security Council and the General Assembly can make today in support of the country.

I thank Mrs. Viotti for her briefing. There are no further speakers inscribed on my list. In accordance with the understanding reached in the Council’s prior consultations, I now invite Council members to informal consultations to continue our discussion of the subject.