Declaração sobre a situação na Guiné-Bissau aprovada na VII Reunião Ministerial da Zona de Paz e Cooperação do Atlântico Sul (ZOPACAS)

(Versão em português será divulgada oportunamente)

Gathered in Montevideo on 15th and 16th January 2013, the Heads of Delegation to the Seventh Ministerial Meeting of the Member States of the Zone of Peace and Cooperation of the South Atlantic reviewed the situation in Guinea-Bissau and, in line with the UNSC press statement of 13th December 2012, expressed serious concern at the persistent political and institutional crisis affecting the country.

They regretted the severe socioeconomic hardships endured by the citizens of Guinea-Bissau and reiterated the need for the urgent restoration of constitutional order, with respect for political freedoms, human rights, and for developing a comprehensive strategy of stabilization of the country, including the reform of its security and defense sectors.

The Heads of Delegation expressed appreciation for the sustainable efforts made by the African Union, ECOWAS and the CPLP and recall, in accordance with UNSC Resolution 2048, the need for all relevant players to actively and closely cooperate and coordinate towards overcoming current challenges.

The Heads of Delegation also welcomed the sending of the joint assessment mission by the UN-AU-ECOWAS-CPLP-EU to Bissau and expressed their confidence that its report will be a significant step in the efforts of international partners to help Guinea-Bissau make substantial and timely progress in returning to institutional order.

The Heads of Delegation welcomed the designation by the UN Secretary-General of former Timorese President Ramos Horta as his Special Representative in Guinea-Bissau and expressed their full support for his mission.

Montevidéu, 15 de janeiro de 2013