Special Representative for West Africa to Participate in Mediation Process

in Mali, Guinea-Bissau to Ensure Speedy Return to Constitutional Order

The following statement was issued on 17 May by the Spokesperson for Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon:

In continuation of United Nations efforts to ensure the full restoration of constitutional rule in both Mali and Guinea-Bissau, the Special Representative of the Secretary-General for West Africa, Said Djinnit, will participate in the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States) Mediation and Security Council meeting on Mali and Guinea-Bissau, to be held in Abidjan on 19 May.

We believe it is critical to ensure that the decisions emanating from the mediation processes in Mali and Guinea-Bissau ensure a full and speedy return to constitutional order, and send a clear and principled message against unconstitutional seizures of power.

We are working with ECOWAS to ensure close consultation and coordination with the United Nations and other regional and international partners as this process moves forward.

The United Nations calls again for strict adherence to democratic principles and for the military in both countries to return to their barracks, refrain from any political involvement and to respect civilian authority and the rule of law.

The Secretary-General is consulting broadly, directly and through his Special Representatives for West Africa and Guinea-Bissau, to help resolve these crises in a manner consistent with these principles.

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For information media • not an official record