Vietnam calls for political dialogue, reconciliation in Guinea-Bissau

New York (VNA) - Vietnam calls on all national stakeholders in
Guinea-Bissau to exercise restraint, renounce violence and strengthen political dialogue and reconciliation, thus contributing to consolidating peace and creating an environment conducive for socio-economic reconstruction for the benefits of the people.

The appeal was made by Ambassador Hoang Chi Trung, Deputy Permanent
Representative of Vietnam to the UN Security Council, at a debate on the
Guinea-Bissau situation in New York on October 7.

The Vietnamese diplomat expressed his satisfaction that preparations for the
legislative elections scheduled for November 16, 2008 have been on track and
the voter registration exercise has been successful.
Trung said that he welcomes the ongoing cooperation between
Guinea-Bissau , the Peacebuilding Commission and the International Monetary
Fund in their essential socio-economic reconstruction efforts.

He, however, expressed deep concerns about the volatile security and
political situation in Guinea-Bissau, especially against the backdrop of
upcoming elections and rising food and fuel prices and emphasied the vital
importance of poverty reduction, food security, healthcare and education
promotion, disarmament and the fight against organised crimes, drug
trafficking and terrorism.

The Vietnamese representative reaffirmed that peace, reconciliation and
stability in Guinea-Bissau are critical for peace and security in the
West African sub-region, and welcomed the role being played by the
Peacebuilding Commission, US agencies, regional organisations and the
international community in facilitating the peacebuilding process in
Guinea-Bissau-Enditem