SECRETARY-GENERAL EXTENDS CONDOLENCES, RESPECT FOLLOWING DEATH OF GUINEA’S

PRESIDENT, STRESSES NEED FOR PEACEFUL, DEMOCRATIC TRANSFER OF POWER

The following statement was issued today by the Spokesperson for UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

The Secretary-General has learned of the death of the President of the Republic of Guinea, General Lansana Conté.  He wishes to extend his sincere condolences and respect to the family of the late President and to the Government and people of Guinea as a whole.  He acknowledges President Conté’s long-standing commitment to the maintenance of peace and unity in Guinea and to the promotion of stability and regional cooperation in the Mano River Basin.  He commends, in particular, Guinea’s generosity in hosting hundreds of thousands of refugees fleeing conflict in neighbouring countries.

At this time of transition in Guinea, the Secretary-General stresses the need for a peaceful and democratic transfer of power, in accordance with the Constitution.  He calls for calm and urges the armed forces and all stakeholders to respect the democratic process.

* *** *

For information media • not an official record