Global perspective Human stories

Annan congratulates Guinea-Bissau as newly-elected President is sworn in

Annan congratulates Guinea-Bissau as newly-elected President is sworn in

media:entermedia_image:5cdc43f2-e2e6-4a94-b996-ccf201a6765b
Assuring the people of Guinea-Bissau of continued United Nations assistance, Secretary-General Kofi Annan has congratulated President João Bernardo Vieira on his inauguration as head of the West African country emerging from periods of instability since its independence from Portugal some 30 years ago.

The UN system will continue to collaborate with the country and support the Government in its efforts to achieve national reconciliation, stability, the consolidation of democracy and the creation of a climate favourable to economic revitalization and lasting development, Mr. Annan said a message on the occasion of Mr. Vieira’s inauguration on Saturday.

The Secretary-General thanked the international community for its decisive role in bringing the electoral process to a successful conclusion, including the international observers, and he saluted the transitional Governments and the military for their involvement in establishing a solid foundation on which to build a better future.

“Once again, the people of this proud and courageous country have shown their burning desire to build, together, a future of peace and harmony,” he said. “I congratulate the whole population of Guinea-Bissau on the good conduct of the recent presidential elections which marked the end of the political transition initiated in September 2003.”