Statement [made on behalf of the Security Council, at the 4992nd meeting, 18 June 2004, in connection with the Council's consideration of the item entitled "The situation in Guinea-Bissau"]

Expresses its satisfaction regarding progress made by national authorities towards restoring constitutional order, in accordance with the Transition Charter provisions and calendar; encourages all parties, and the new government established on 12 May 2004, to faithfully adhere to the provisions of the Transition Charter in order to achieve and consolidate national reconciliation and to ensure the full restoration of constitutional order; expresses, nonetheless, its concern with the fragility of the democratization process in Guinea-Bissau, due mainly to the country's deep-rooted structural problems, including the weakness of State institutions and structures, as well as persistent economic and social crisis; further expresses its concern about the need to improve the situation of the military, in particular the payment of salary arrears, which continues to be seen as a potentially destabilizing factor; underlines the importance it attaches to the organization of a round table which it considers of utmost relevance to addressing some of the most urgent needs of Guinea-Bissau.

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