Statement by the Press Secretary/Director-General for Press and Public Relations, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, on the National Parliamentary Elections in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau

November 21, 2008
Japanese

Japan welcomes the fact that on Sunday, November 16, the National Parliamentary Elections in the Republic of Guinea-Bissau were held in a free, fair, peaceful and transparent manner. As the chair country of the United Nations Peacebuilding Commission, in which Guinea-Bissau is one of the countries on its agenda items, Japan has been actively extending assistance for the country throughout this year, with a view to supporting the country’s efforts in peacebuilding. Japan is therefore particularly pleased that the elections were conducted in a peaceful manner.
Japan commends the people of Guinea-Bissau for their active participation in the elections with a high voter turnout, which was a clear indication of the steady development of democracy in the country. Japan also highly appreciates the efforts of the National Electoral Commission and other internal and external partners of Guinea-Bissau, who contributed to the management and monitoring of the elections.
It is important that all parties respect and abide by the results of the elections once they are properly certified. Japan will continue to pay close attention to the situation in Guinea-Bissau after the elections and will support the country’s efforts in peacebuilding.

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