YouSaid · the spoken record

Da Gama

lines on the record

71

first

1996-04-23

most recent

2016-06-14

sittings or episodes

9

sources

un-security-council

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1. “Before concluding, I would like to thank all present for their support during these dark times and wish to appeal to them not to abandon Guinea-Bissau and to remain even more engaged with the country in helping to consolidate and make stronger its institutions by working much more closely with the national authorities and all political stakeholders in terms of guidance, through an open and frank dialogue, so as to bring back peace and security.”

   2016-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7714 (2016) · source

2. “For this we need coordinated support to bring stability to the country, which desperately needs to get back to normal functioning so that it can regain the trust of our partners and make the very encouraging results of the Brussels round-table conference on Guinea-Bissau a reality. The people cherish the hope that these steps will help the country to finally concentrate on development as well as to continue with the needed security-sector reform, which should include a dignified pension for retired armed forces professionals. As the Council is aware, so far the armed forces have stayed out of the present crisis, and we want them to continue with this republican position and non-interference in the political disputes of the country.”

   2016-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7714 (2016) · source

3. “Very well-coordinated diplomatic efforts, such as the meeting of the Guinea-Bissau International Contact Group, in which the entire international community and our partners can participate, would be a step towards joining other voices to that of the people of Guinea- Bissau at this moment. The financial support of the European Union, which allowed for the extension of the mandate of the ECOWAS Mission in Guinea-Bissau for one more year, is very much appreciated. As stated by the Heads of State of ECOWAS, the persistent crisis in Guinea-Bissau is undermining the implementation of the financial commitments made by our development partners in March 2015.”

   2016-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7714 (2016) · source

4. “After the very comprehensive briefing on the current situation in Guinea-Bissau, all I have to add is that the country is practically paralysed, people are suffering, and everyone is apprehensively awaiting the Supreme Court ruling and the visit of the three Heads of State from the region. We are aware that the political and institutional crises that have isolated our country for the past year require political will on the part of the main actors in our country. However, the continued strong support of the international community as a whole, in a coordinated and single-minded manner, might help us to achieve a solid solution to the persistent impasse.”

   2016-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7714 (2016) · source

5. “Allow me to thank also Mr. Ovidio Pequeno, Head of the African Union Liaison Office in Guinea-Bissau, for his briefing and for the active role that he is playing in my country. The recent Summit of Heads of State and Government of ECOWAS, held in Dakar, and the decision taken on the visit by the Presidents of the Republic of Guinea, Senegal and Sierra Leone to Bissau is very commendable. All of the people of Guinea-Bissau look forward to this mission, which will be crucial in showing the engagement of ECOWAS in the process of bringing peace, security and stability not only to Guinea-Bissau but to our subregion as a whole. Allow me also to commend Senegal, through its Permanent Representative, Ambassador Fode Seck, for the engagement of President Macky Sall to Guinea-Bissau, especially during his chairmanship of ECOWAS.”

   2016-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7714 (2016) · source

6. “I also would like to thank Ambassador Maria Pires, Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste and Chair of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP), for her statement. I wish also to thank the Ambassador of Senegal for his important statement on Guinea-Bissau. Guinea-Bissau is once again facing political and institutional crises, as we just heard from the briefing delivered by Mr. Modibo Toure, Special Representative of the Secretary-General, whom I wish to thank. I also request him, on behalf of the people of Guinea-Bissau, to remain closely engaged together with the States members of our subregion, the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), especially our closest neighbours, Senegal and the Republic of Guinea, which have been working hard to help Guinea-Bissau find a solution leading to sustainable peace.”

   2016-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7714 (2016) · source

7. “I wish to thank you, Mr. President, for having invited my delegation to the Council table and for allowing me to take the floor. I also congratulate you on your assumption of the presidency of the Council for the month of June and to wish you successful deliberations. Allow me to recognize Mr. Modibo Toure, the new Special Representative of the Secretary-General, for his prompt engagement in the current issues facing my country upon his arrival and for all of the diligent efforts of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau in addressing the latest developments in Guinea-Bissau. The work of the Peacebuilding Commission configuration, through the personal engagement of Ambassador Antonio Patriota of Brazil, on peacebuilding in Guinea-Bissau is very important and deeply appreciated.”

   2016-06-14 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7714 (2016) · source

8. “I also wish to commend the continued support of the Secretary-General, the head of ECOWAS, namely, the President of Senegal as its current Chair, the President of the Republic of Guinea, the President of Nigeria and all our partners and friends who have tried their best, and are still trying, to mediate and help Guinea-Bissau resolve the current political crisis and regain its course towards the consolidation ofpeace and achievement of sustainable development.”

   2015-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7514 (2015) · source

9. “And it should remain alert and work more closely in terms of guidance, through open and frank dialogue with the national authorities and all political stakeholders, as a way to prevent situations such as the one we are facing today. It is our hope that the country will overcome this crisis and that the relevant political stakeholders, the National Assembly and civil society will remain engaged in constructive dialogue for the good of Guinea-Bissau and its people. Before concluding, I would like to express our gratitude for the engagement of the international community in following the political situation in our country.”

   2015-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7514 (2015) · source

10. “But without continued and strong engagement on the part of the international communityandcloseandeffectivemonitoringstrategies, all of the efforts made risk being compromised. To that end, the support of the international community towards a peaceful resolution of the current situation is very important. It will help restore confidence in Guinea-Bissau and promote an environment conducive to the disbursement ofthe funds that have been pledged, thereby leading to the implementation of the reforms and strategic development programmes that have been proposed by the national authorities. It has been repeated many times in the Council that the instability in Guinea-Bissau will not end with the elections, and the current situation is such an example. The international community should do more to help consolidate stronger institutions.”

    2015-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7514 (2015) · source

11. “However, on behalf of the peaceful people of Guinea-Bissau, who time and time again have demonstrated their commitment to the goals of peace and development, we are counting on the hope that the Council and all our partners will remain engaged with the country. Do not give up on the people of Guinea-Bissau. The dreams and aspirations of youth, and of women as mothers, for a better future for their children are at risk. They have high hopes and expectations on the programmes proposed by the Government that led to the successful donor round table on Guinea-Bissau held in Brussels in March, and they are counting on all of the pledges made by all our partners and friends. We are aware that we Bissau-Guineans bear the primary responsibility for resolving our internal differences, avoiding instability and promoting sustainable development.”

    2015-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7514 (2015) · source

12. “That democratic method for finding a solution to the existing differences within the highest levels of the country, in our View, offers assurances that, although difficult, there will be a way out of the political crisis through constitutional and legal procedures. The neutral position of the military so far in the political crisis is very much appreciated, and we hope that they will maintain a position of noninterference. In that context, we understand the resulting frustration of our partners and all the friends of Guinea-Bissau who have worked so hard to help us to consolidate our democracy and to sustain long- lasting peace and development.”

    2015-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7514 (2015) · source

13. “Jose' Mario Vaz, President of the Republic, and His Excellency Mr. Domingos Simoes Pereira, Prime Minister, unfortunately ended with the dismissal of the Prime Minister, on 12 August, and the nomination of His Excellency Mr. Baciro Dja as the new Prime Minister, on 20 August. Despite that situation, the calm and civility that has been demonstrated by the population so far on the decision ofthe National Assembly to seek the necessary legal guidance of the Supreme Court - which also rules on the constitutionality of decisions in the absence of a constitutional court in the country - as to the constitutionality of the nomination of a new Prime Minister by the President is to be congratulated.”

    2015-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7514 (2015) · source

14. “IwouldalsoliketothankHisExcellencyAmbassador Antonio de Aguiar Pariota, Permanent Representative of Brazil, in his capacity as Chair of the Guinea-Bissau configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission; Her Excellency Ambassador Sofia Mesquita Borges, Permanent Representative of Timor-Leste, on behalf of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries; and His Excellency Ambassador Fode Seck, Permanent Representative of Senegal, on behalf of the Chair of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), for their briefings and for their engagement on the situation in Guinea-Bissau. After a short period on a relatively successful path towards peace and development in the country, once again Guinea-Bissau is confronted with a political crisis. The misunderstanding between His Excellency Mr.”

    2015-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7514 (2015) · source

15. “I thank you, Madam President, for inviting my delegation to the Security Council. I wish to congratulate you on Nigeria's presidency of the Council for the month of August and to wish the Council successful deliberations. It is an honour to see you presiding at this important meeting on the situation in Guinea-Bissau, a country in which Nigeria is very much present and engaged. Allow me to express my special thanks to His Excellency Secretary-General Ban Ki-Moon for his report on Guinea-Bissau (S/2015/626) and for his personal engagement on the latest developments in my country. The work of his Special Representative, Mr. Miguel Trovoada, of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau team and of all United Nations offices and agencies in Guinea-Bissau are also very much appreciated.”

    2015-08-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7514 (2015) · source

16. “In that context, we fully support the recommendations of the Secretary-General in its latest report on the situation in Guinea-Bissau (S/2014/105), according to which the post-election phase should merit special support from the international community in order to build a lasting foundation for our development and stability. In conclusion, allow me once again to reiterate my country's deep gratitude to the members of the Council and our partners, who have always stood by us throughout this difficult transition stage.”

    2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source

17. “The country's social stability will largely depend, among other things, on the future that we provide for young people and women. In spite of their vulnerability, those two groups represent potentially profitable sectors in the economy if we create for them a climate conducive to their professional development. The issue of drug trafficking remains another challenge to overcome. My country remains committed to continuing its efforts to eradicate that scourge. However, given the great fragility of our security and justice institutions, among others, as well as the transnational dimension of the phenomenon, regional and international cooperation must be strengthened. Guinea-Bissau is open to all types of cooperation in that field so as to be able to combat that evil.”

    2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source

18. “We believe that, at the end of this transition process, our cooperative relations with our traditional partners, including Angola, Portugal, Brazil and others, will be further strengthened, thus allowing for a full resumption of our friendly relations based on solidarity. The elections to be held next April will be a first step in the major challenge that our country faces in the coming years. Along with the urgent need for the reform and modernization of our defence and security forces, which, incidentally, remains at the top of our priorities, Guinea-Bissau needs close support from the international community so as to undertake a massive reform of the public administration and establish the essential conditions for the promotion ofjustice in order to combat impunity, which unfortunately still prevails in our society.”

    2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source

19. “We should note that the electoral registry has never before included such an impressive number of voters. In that respect, I would like to thank all our partners who, despite the sometimes emergency circumstances in which they were called to intervene, have, through their contributions, enabled this process to be successful. We hope to be able to count on their support during the post-election period. In that connection, I must highlight the examples of solidarity and cooperation received from the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Timor- Leste, ECOWAS, the African Union and the European Union, among others.”

    2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source

20. “This new development in no way reflects a lack of political will on the part of the authorities of the country, but rather is motivated by objective conditions that were not met within the desired time frame. For example, in order be able to identify the largest number of voters possible, and given the logistical difficulties encountered during that process, the electoral census lasted a little over two months instead of 21 days as originally planned, thus missing certain legal deadlines stipulated in Guinea-Bissau's electoral code. Nevertheless, it should be noted that almost 95 per cent of voters were counted by the census, including the country's diaspora, who, for the first time, will be able to participate in the upcoming election of their leaders.”

    2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source

21. “Today, at the end of the long journey that plunged the country into significant political, economic and social crisis, we are driven by our strong belief that this is the final phase of the transition period. That period will end, of course, with the realization of the most important recommendation of resolution 2048 (2012), which is the restoration of constitutional order. After consultations with all the political parties and other national actors, the President decreed that presidential and legislative elections would be held on 13 April 2014, thus confirming the postponement of the elections, which were originally scheduled for 16 March 2014.”

    2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source

22. “Carlos Moura of Brazil as Special Representative of the CPLP for Guinea-Bissau, and we are very pleased that the coordination between international organizations, in particular ECOWAS and the CPLP, is being increasingly strengthened on the ground. Since the last coup in Guinea-Bissau, on 12 April 2012, we have been fully aware that the path that will lead us to the restoration of constitutional order will not only be long, but also entail huge sacrifices from the people of Guinea-Bissau, especially the most vulnerable segments of society, namely, young people and women. That is due to the fact that our country depends heavily on the help of its partners, and our major partners have suspended or reduced their cooperation with our country.”

    2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source

23. “I also welcome the statements by Ambassador Antonio de Aguiar Patriota, Permanent Representative of Brazil and President of the Guinea-Bissau configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission, and the statement to be made by Ambassador Antonio Gumende, Permanent Representative of Mozambique and representative of the Executive Secretariat of the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP). I would like to pay tribute to the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) through Ambassador Youssoufou Bamba, Permanent Representative of Cote d'Ivoire and current Chairman of ECOWAS, for his tireless support to my country throughout this transition process. I welcome the appointment of Mr.”

    2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source

24. “Mr. Da Gama (Guinea-Bissau) (spoke in French): First of all, I would I would like to congratulate you, Madam President, on behalf of my country, on your accession to the presidency of the Security Council for this month and assure you of my country's full cooperation and support. I would also like to thank Special Representative of the Secretary-General Jose Ramos-Horta for his detailed briefing and encourage him to continue his efforts to enable the country to return to constitutional order and thus deal with the major challenges before us in terms of my country's stabilization and development. Those are goals to which the people of Guinea-Bissau aspire.”

    2014-02-26 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.7121 (2014) · source

25. “Our economy - largely dependent upon external assitance - is practically in ruins following the cut-off from our major partners that resulted from the April 2012 coup. In conclusion, it is for all those reasons that it is both necessary and urgent that humanitarian assistance be exceptionally granted to our country in order to help us overcome the current challenges.”

    2013-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6963 (2013) · source

26. “We will spare no effort in building the State dreamed of by our founding father, Amilcar Cabral. We will do so by carrying out reforms aimed at strengthening State institutions, in particular in the defence, security and justice sectors so that they work effectively to fight against impunity. We will do so in order to ensure that justice in our country is within the reach of every citizen and so that Guinea-Bissau is a place of peace and prosperity that is pleasant to live in. As I speak here, every public school is once again on strike - triggered three days ago by the teachers' union at the national level. That will curtail the school year for at least one month. The cashew harvest, which is Guinea-Bissau's main export product, is being seriously jeopardized by the lack of market credit liquidity.”

    2013-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6963 (2013) · source

27. “That phase would focus on strengthening the political, social, economic and security environment through reforms and the bolstering of State institutions. Guinea-Bissau alone can hardly cope with the challenges it will face during the two phases I have described, given the lack of the necessary means and resources required for such an undertaking and the extreme fragility of State institutions. For those reasons, therefore, we ask for the support of the international community and we thank it for the assistance kindly extended to our country throughout its history. Despite the difficult situation that our country has experienced throughout its 40 years as an independent nation, Guinea-Bissau and its people still believe in the viability of our country.”

    2013-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6963 (2013) · source

28. “For several days now, the Transitional President has been carrying out intensive consultations with the various political and social stakeholders and others aimed at forming an inclusive Government. Everything leads us to believe that a Government will be established in the days or even hours to come. We are pleased to note that the Secretary-General recommends in his report that the peacebuilding process in Guinea-Bissau be carried out in two phases. The first phase would culminate in the holding of presidential and legislative elections in a free, fair and transparent manner. The second, post-electoral, phase would be completed by the end of the mandate of the Government to be elected.”

    2013-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6963 (2013) · source

29. “In that regard, we are delighted to note that a political agreement of principle was concluded on 30 April by the various political parties, civil society and military leaders. The agreement extends the transition period until 31 December 2013, sets the holding of elections for November of this year and calls for the formation of a more inclusive Government and the appointment of the President of the National Electoral Commission. The efforts to make the transition inclusive are further illustrated by the development of a new regime pact, which is under consideration for approval by the National Assembly. It should be underscored that, under the pact, a forum for coordination among transition stakeholders would be set up under the oversight of the National Assembly.”

    2013-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6963 (2013) · source

30. “The latter was illustrated in December 2012 when, at the initiative of the African Union, a joint assessment mission composed of the United Nations, the African Union, ECOWAS, the European Union and the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) was deployed to Guinea-Bissau. We consider its recommendations to be important for their continued cooperation. The presentation of this report comes at a time when Guinea-Bissau is about to enter a new phase of the transition, which is the result of the commitment of national stakeholders and in accordance with the requirements of the international community, to lead the country back to constitutional order as quickly as possible by holding free, fair and transparent elections.”

    2013-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6963 (2013) · source

31. “I am addressing the Security Council today with a special feeling of optimism, for the one-year extension of the mandate of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS) recommended in the report of the Secretary-General is a testament to the staunch commitment of the United Nations to continue providing assistance to Guinea- Bissau as it seeks to build peace. That optimism is all the greater given the fact that, as contrasted with the period preceeding the coup d'e'tat of April 2012, today we are increasingly seeing greater understanding among the various national actors and a convergence ofpositions on the part of Guinea-Bissau's partner international organizations.”

    2013-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6963 (2013) · source

32. “I would also like to thank Ambassador Maria Luiza Ribeiro Viotti, Chair ofthe Guinea-Bissau configuration of the Peacebuilding Commission (PBC), Ambassador Antonio Gumende and Ambassador Youssoufou Bamba for their ongoing efforts in the peacebuilding process in Guinea-Bissau. I would also like to take this opportunity to pay tribute to the commitment of the Economic Community ofWest African States (ECOWAS) and the West African Economic and Monetary Union for the financial support they have continued to provide to Guinea-Bissau during this transitional period.”

    2013-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6963 (2013) · source

33. “Through you, Mr. President, my delegation wants to thank all members of the Security Council for keeping the situation in my country, Guinea-Bissau, on its agenda. (spoke in French) I would like to congratulate you, Mr. President, on your assumption of the presidency of the Security Council for this month and to wish you, Sir, every success in your work. I would like to thank Mr. Jose' Ramos-Horta, Special Representative of the Secretary-General for Guinea-Bissau, for the very informative and accurate report (S/2013/262) he has just introduced, as well as to express our complete confidence in him and, above all, our full readiness to cooperate with him as he carries out his duties.”

    2013-05-09 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6963 (2013) · source

34. “In that regard, the National Conference on Reconciliation, which is to bring together political actors, civil society, elements of the defence and security forces, religious leaders and others, set up by President Bacai Sanha, will indeed take place with the election of the Republic's new President. That will enable the people of Guinea- Bissau to freely express their opinion and to find a lasting path of understanding on issues affecting our country. I would therefore like to conclude by reiterating my Government's gratitude to the international community for its tireless support to Guinea-Bissau to date. We ask it to continue to provide its valuable assistance to us in the context of peacebuilding and development in our country.”

    2012-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6743 (2012) · source

35. “In that regard, we hope to receive as soon as possible the release of funds pledged by our partners. We also hope that other actors will join us in that step. Nevertheless, I would recall that the Government of Guinea-Bissau, under His Excellency Mr. Carlos Gomes Junior, with the support of our bilateral and multilateral partners, had to agree to tremendous sacrifices that, to date, have enabled us to see very positive results in terms of the recovery of the national economy and public funds administration, as well as in the areas of infrastructure and combating drug trafficking, among others. National dialogue remains one of Guinea- Bissau's priorities.”

    2012-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6743 (2012) · source

36. “Kumba Yala, supported by the four other candidates, to participate in the second round, we hope that decisions issued by the competent electoral bodies, namely, the NEC and the Supreme Court of Justice, will be respected and that, in the interests of the country, the people's will and good sense will prevail and that the second round of elections will indeed take place. Despite the current election challenge, the Government of Guinea-Bissau remains convinced that reform of the defence and security sector is crucial to peacebuilding in the country, and it is its foremost priority. We therefore hope that conditions will be rapidly met so as to move to implementing that reform through the upcoming launch of the special pension fund, which will enable the demobilization process of elements of the armed forces and security forces to start.”

    2012-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6743 (2012) · source

37. “Kumba Yala, as the candidate with the second-highest number of votes, announced that he would not participate in the second round of the election. In that regard, it should be underscored that the NEC issued its decision yesterday, on 27 March, stating that those allegations were ill founded and that that group of candidates had a final recourse to the Supreme Court of Justice, in accordance with the law in force. Despite the slightly tense atmosphere owing to the refusal of Mr.”

    2012-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6743 (2012) · source

38. “Given that neither of those two candidates gained more than 50 per cent of the required votes, it is provided for that they go to a second round, which, in principle, will be held towards the end of April. Speaking even before the publication of the provisional results by the NEC, a group of five candidates, including the contender with the second- highest number of votes, made it known that it would not accept the results of the elections, citing irregularities and fraud, and requested that the elections be annulled. Once the provisional results were published, the five candidates lodged an appeal with the NEC on the basis of the same arguments, underscoring, furthermore, the lack of updated electoral registries that included new voters who had reached 18 years of age. At the same time, Mr.”

    2012-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6743 (2012) · source

39. “Following the voting, international observers, in particular from the African Union, the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries, the Economic Community of West African States, the West African Economic and Monetary Union, a group of 10 parliamentarians from the United Kingdom and some from the European Union and South Africa, commended the peaceful climate in which the elections took place. They all described them as free, fair and transparent. On 21 March, the National Electoral Commission (NEC) announced the provisional official results of the vote, which placed the former Prime Minister, Mr. Carlos Gomes Junior, in the lead, with more than 48 per cent of the vote, followed by the former President of the Republic, Mr. Kumba Yala, with more than 23 per cent of the vote.”

    2012-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6743 (2012) · source

40. “But, fortunately, thanks to the resolve of the national authorities and the international community's tireless commitment to help Guinea-Bissau to pursue the path of strengthening its young democracy and respecting the constitutional order, my country was able to gain the necessary financial and logistical assistance to hold those elections. They took place on 18 March, as planned, preceded by an exemplary electoral and incident-free campaign. As a result, I would like to take the opportunity to reiterate my Government's gratitude to all countries and organizations that kindly once again stood alongside us during that electoral period.”

    2012-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6743 (2012) · source

41. “As stipulated in the Constitution, after the death of the President of the Republic, early presidential elections should have taken place within 60 days following a series of internal political consultations so as to respect the will expressed by the country's various political parties. The Acting President of the Republic set the date of 18 March for the holding of the early presidential elections, thus upholding the Republic's Constitution. However, the actual organization of those elections was not easy owing to the serious issue of their financing, in particular because of the very short two-month period for their organization and the country's financial difficulties.”

    2012-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6743 (2012) · source

42. “Mr. Da Gama (Guinea-Bissau) (spoke in French): Allow me, first of all, to express my sincere thanks for the honour that you grant me, Mr. President, by giving me the floor before Council members, whom we would like to thank for their commitment to and understanding of the situation in our country. We would also like to commend Mr. Joseph Mutaboba, Special Representative of the Secretary-General and Head of the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNIOGBIS), and Mrs. Viotti for their remarkable work towards the peacebuilding and development of Guinea-Bissau. This statement comes at a time when my country, Guinea-Bissau, is in the middle of an electoral period brought about by the passing on 9 January of President Malam Bacai Sanha, who strove for dialogue, peace and development in Guinea-Bissau.”

    2012-03-28 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6743 (2012) · source

43. “To conclude, I would like to once again take this opportunity to thank all the members of the Council for their continuing interest in and commitment to Guinea- Bissau and convey to them once again my country's gratitude for resolution 1876 (2009), which established the United Nations Integrated Peacebuilding Office in Guinea-Bissau, under the wise leadership of Ambassador Joseph Mutaboba, enabling our country to benefit from the focused assistance and support of the United Nations.”

    2010-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6416 (2010) · source

44. “Just as President Sanha stated during the general debate of the General Assembly, "it is now, in our current circumstances, that our country most needs such support." (A/65/PV.16) This is indeed the time when Guinea-Bissau needs sustainable investment and work in the political, development and security areas, and stronger commitments by the entire international community to be able to fulfil the aspirations of its people and its legitimate authorities.”

    2010-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6416 (2010) · source

45. “If our partners wake up tomorrow and decide to bolster the work of the United Nations, the African Union, ECOWAS, CPLP and other partners on the ground, Guinea-Bissau will soon become a stable and developed country that no longer needs to be on the agenda of the Council. We thank our development partners, including the European Union, ECOWAS, CPLP, the African Union, 10-62182 the United Nations, Angola, Brazil, Portugal, Spain, the People's Republic of China and others, for everything they have been doing to help us. Now is the time to help us more, so that we can hope to achieve the Millennium Development Goals. We would therefore like to reiterate our call to all our partners to continue in the same spirit of friendship, solidarity and cooperation with the people and democratic institutions of Guinea-Bissau.”

    2010-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6416 (2010) · source

46. “We find ourselves faced with the inescapable and urgent need to reform our defence and security sectors. A pension fund is needed for those sectors in order to adequately compensate those who fought for our freedom and enable them to return home once and for all. Beyond that reform, we also need a wider reform, in particular one targeting the public administration aimed at providing our public services with the means to deal with the many challenges we face in terms of development and stability. In that regard, the Government remains committed to holding a high-level meeting and a roundtable discussion for donors. This was initially planned for 2010 but unfortunately could not be held, given the tragic events of 1 April. Our country has an area of a little over 36,000 square kilometres and a population of approximately 1.6 million.”

    2010-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6416 (2010) · source

47. “We are very confident that, with the new ECOWAS/CPLP partnerships and the implementation of the road map recently adopted by the ECOWAS Chiefs of Defence Staff, which will shortly be endorsed by the ECOWAS Council of Ministers, the stabilization mission that will be sent primarily to provide training and support peacebuilding and stability, and efforts to promote reconstruction and post-conflict development, it will become possible for the country to be definitively stabilized and for it to be able to focus on sustainable development. We are aware that the primary responsibility for development and stability in the country falls on the people of Guinea-Bissau themselves, but, despite the Government's efforts, our country remains dependent on international solidarity, assistance and cooperation.”

    2010-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6416 (2010) · source

48. “In that context and as the Secretary-General did in his report, we would like to commend the joint efforts by ECOWAS, under the Nigerian presidency, and by the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP), under the Angolan presidency, aimed at adopting a common plan of action to provide assistance to our country, as recently requested by our President.”

    2010-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6416 (2010) · source

49. “In this regard, we welcome the decision taken at the summit of heads of State and Government of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), held in Praia, Cape Verde, in July 2010. That decision called on the Community's Commission to study, together with the European Union and other relevant partners, all of the synergies that would enable an immediate implementation of the ECOWAS regional plan of action to combat the scourge of drug trafficking. I must also highlight the visits undertaken by the civilian and military leaders of the country to Brazil to seek technical military assistance; to Angola to strengthen relations in the economic, defence and security areas; and to Cuba, to strengthen bilateral relations.”

    2010-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6416 (2010) · source

50. “Thanks to improvements in the management of public finances, which have brought about positive economic results, salaries are being paid on a regular basis, thus defusing the social tensions that prevailed previously. Guinea-Bissau remains determined to fight drug trafficking relentlessly, including by adopting laws that criminalize the possession, transfer and processing of drugs and that strengthen the capacities of the police and judiciary, while recalling that this effort must be a regional undertaking. In that connection, we would not deny that substantial progress has been made, despite the very limited logistical means and the geography of the country, which is an isolated area that includes over 80 islands in the Bijagos Archipelago.”

    2010-11-05 · UN Security Council · Security Council, S/PV.6416 (2010) · source