Former Mozambican President appointed UN special envoy for Guinea-Bissau

Former President Joaquim Chissano of Mozambique has been appointed Secretary-General Kofi Annan’s Special Envoy to promote “peaceful and credible” elections in June in Guinea-Bissau, a United Nations spokesman said today.

The elections in the Portuguese-speaking West African country, scheduled to take place on 19 June, was “an important step along a transition towards full restoration of constitutional order and stability,” Stephane Dujarric said.

Mr. Chissano, a leading fighter for the independence of his country from Portugal, became President of Mozambique in 1986, was re-elected twice and stepped down last December.