Brussels, 09/04/2014 (Agence Europe) - A few days ahead of the presidential and general elections of 13 April in Guinea-Bissau, Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the EU for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy, called on Tuesday 8 April for peaceful, free and democratic elections in this country, which is in mourning following the death of its former president, on 4 April during the election campaign.
“The High Representative extends her condolences to the family of former President Kumba Yala and to the people of Guinea-Bissau (…). The High Representative calls on all Bissau-Guineans to pursue the electoral process peacefully in conformity with the electoral code and in respect of democracy and the rule of law and to accept the election results”, Ashton's spokesperson stressed in a press release issued on Tuesday evening. The press release goes on to reiterate the EU's willingness to support the future authorities “resulting from peaceful, free and credible elections and to support their efforts to reform, consolidate and reconcile the country”.
Mr Kumba Yala was President of Guinea-Bissau from 2000 to 2003. (AN)