Guinea-Bissau: Annan proposes extending mandate of UN peace-building support office

Secretary-General Kofi Annan has proposed extending the mandate of the United Nations Peace-building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS) until the end of next year in an attempt to support the country's stabilization efforts.

In a letter to the President of the Security Council released today, the Secretary-General says that President Kumba Yalá requested the extension, until 31 December 2003, of UNOGBIS to allow the Office to continue its activities, especially in support of economic reconstruction and growth.

The letter also notes that UNOGBIS has continued to carry out its activities in support of the authorities' peace-building efforts and has played a constructive role in helping the Government to meet its multiple challenges.

"This extension will allow UNOGBIS, in close cooperation with other entities of the United Nations system, including the Bretton Woods institutions, to contribute further to the consolidation of the democratic gains in Guinea-Bissau, to help its people lay the foundations for durable peace and sustainable development and to strengthen the country's friendly relations with its neighbours," the Secretary-General writes.

Last October, Mr. Annan had requested that the Security Council prolong the Office's operations, which were due to expire on 31 December 2001, until the end of this year.