New York, 27 December 2011 - The Secretary-General condemns the use of force to settle differences in Guinea-Bissau. The primacy of the lawful civilian authorities according to the constitution must be respected.

The Secretary-General also encourages the authorities of Guinea-Bissau to respect due process in the investigation of the reported events.

The Secretary-General is following the situation in Guinea-Bissau and reaffirms the support of the United Nations to the peacebuilding process in the country.