STATEMENT BY
H.E. AMBASSADOR HASMY AGAM,
PERMANENT REPRESENTATIVE OF MALAYSIA TO THE UNITED NATIONS
ON GUINEA-BISSAUWEDNESDAY, 29 MARCH 2000
Mr. President,
My delegation wishes to thank you for holding today's deliberation of the Secretary-General's latest report 24 March 2000 on developments in Guinea-Bissau and the activities of the United Nations Peace-building Support Office in Guinea-Bissau (UNOGBIS) in the formal chamber. We also wish to thank Sir Kieran Prendergast for introducing the UNSG's report and for his updating of the situation.
2. The report has made clear that the people of Guinea-Bissau strongly desire peace and wish to put the traumatic events of the civil strife behind them. We welcome the fact that the process of normalisation and the transition to democracy is taking place in earnest following the successful holding of the legislative and presidential elections in the country. The successful completion of the those elections and the subsequent setting-up of a new Government has ushered in a new chapter for the people of Guinea-Bissau, one full of the promise of a democratic and peaceful political future. It also brings to closure the transitional government established in accordance with the Abuja Peace Accord of 1 November 1998. In this regard, we would like to congratulate President Kumba Yala on his impressive mandate and wish him every success as Guinea-Bissau completes the process of a return to civilian rule. We support the President's intention to fight corruption and to build a more just and democratic society. The early identification by the Government of post-electoral priorities for the short and medium terms is most heartening.
3. However, we note that as Guinea-Bissau moves ahead with its democratisation process, the military has, nevertheless, continued to maintain a high public posture. We would urge strongly for the former military junta to fulfill its earlier pledge that it would endeavour to stay out of politics and remain loyal to the newly-elected President. We are heartened to hear of the positive outcome of the negotiations between the Government and the former military junta to redefine the role of the military in accordance with the rule of law and democracy. We pay tribute to the Foreign Minister of the Gambia for the commendable role he has played in this regard. For a smooth transition to democracy in Guinea-Bissau it is important for the military to support the supremacy of civilian institutions and the rule of law and to confine its role to that of national defence.
4. Meanwhile, we continue to be concerned about the wide circulation of small arms which only serves to further complicates the security situation. My delegation, therefore, welcomes efforts to develop a package of incentives to encourage civilians to turn in their weapons under the coordination of UNOGBIS, with the active support of the World Food Programme (WFP) and the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO). In addition, we must underline the importance of the proposed World Bank mission to the country early next month in an effort to promote the demobilisation and reintegration of the military into civilian life. Further, we are pleased to note the improvement in the human rights as well as the overall humanitarian situation in the country and the role that UNOGBIS continue to play in the process. The continued improvement in relations between Guinea-Bissau and its neighbours has helped facilitate the smooth and early return of refugees back into the country.
Mr. President,
5. Guinea-Bissau requires our continuing attention and assistance as it moves forward to consolidate peace and stability in the country. Malaysia joins others in calling on the international community to support the Government's three-month transitional programme pending the organisation of a new roundtable conference. We agree with the Secretary-General that the ability of the Organisation to fulfill its critical facilitation role in Guinea-Bissau is very much dependent on the continued and additional support of the international community.
6. In conclusion, Malaysia commends the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) as well as the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP) on their important roles in facilitating the transitional process. We also commend those member states of the Organisation, particularly France, the Netherlands and Cyprus, for their contributions to the Trust Fund established in support of the activities of UNOGBIS. We also wish to join others in commending the Secretary-General’s Representative, Mr. Nana-Sinkam, UNOGBIS and the UN country team in Bissau for their efforts thus far and for their continued success in assisting Guinea-Bissau in its peace-building efforts.
Thank you.