New York, 9 January 2012 - The Secretary-General is deeply saddened by the passing of President Malam Bacai Sanha today in Paris. The Secretary-General presents his condolences to the family of the late President and the people of Guinea-Bissau. He pays tribute to President Sanha's leadership in guiding Guinea-Bissau, at a particularly difficult time in its history.

The Secretary-General trusts that the succession arrangements provided for in the Constitution of Guinea-Bissau will be fully respected. He wishes to reassure the national authorities and the people of Guinea-Bissau of the full support of the United Nations.