Conakry, April 30, 2010 – On the evening of 30 April, during an audience with a joint delegation comprised of the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), African Union (AU) and the United Nations (UN), the Interim President of Guinea, General Sékouba Konaté, reaffirmed that all measures will be taken to ensure that the presidential elections will be held on June 27, 2010.

The visit of the joint delegation in Conakry on 29—30 April was initiated following recent reports of tensions between actors of the transition relating to the electoral process. The aim of the delegation was to consult with the Guinean authorities and encourage them to continue their efforts, in accordance with the Declaration of Ouagadougou.

The delegation was composed of James Victor Gbeho, President of the ECOWAS Commission, Ibrahima Fall, Special Envoy of the President of the AU Commission for Guinea, and Saïd Djinnit, Special Representative of the UN Secretary General for West Africa.

In addition to the President of the Transition, the delegation also met with Prime Minister, Jean Marie Doré, the President of the National Council of Transition (CNT), Rabiatou Serah Diallo, the Minister of Territorial Administration and Political Affairs (MATAP), Nawa Damey, representing the Minister of Foreign Affairs, and the Vice-President of the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI), Alhaji Baldé, spokesmen for political party groups, as well as representatives of the International Contact Group (ICG-G) based in Conakry.

During the meetings, the delegation urged the actors of the transition to ensure strict compliance with the electoral calendar and to take necessary measures, including swift adoption of the draft constitution and the draft electoral code. The delegation encouraged the Interim President to ensure that these measures are taken in time for the 27 June 2010 election, and that all transitional institutions strengthen their cooperation for a smooth continuation of the constitutional order restoration process.

In this respect, the delegation reiterated the commitment of the international community to support the transitional process in Guinea, in accordance with the Joint Declaration of Ouagadougou.

The delegation urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (CENI) to increase communication with political parties, the Minister of Territorial Administration and Political Affairs (MATAP), the National Transition Council (CNT), the Government, and especially the population, and to inform them about the electoral process as well as the way technical problems are solved, including those relating to the electoral list.

The delegation appealed to the people of Guinea to seize this unique opportunity to participate actively in the democratic revival of the country, and to end to the crisis. The delegation also urged the population to preserve the climate of peace, security and social cohesion in the best interests of the Guinean nation.

*****

For more information: Laurence Gérard, Public Information Officer, United Nations Office for West AfricaOffice: +221 33-869-8560 – Cell: +221 77- 3324928 – gerardl@un.org