Statement by the spokesperson of the European Union High Representative Catherine Ashton on the forthcoming elections in Guinea Bissau

BRUSSELS, Kingdom of Belgium, April 8, 2014/African Press Organization (APO)/ — The spokesperson of Catherine Ashton, High Representative of the Union for Foreign Affairs and

Security Policy and Vice President of the Commission, issued the following statement today:

“The High Representative extends her condolences to the family of former President Kumba Yalá and to the people of Guinea Bissau.

On 13 April, Guinea-Bissau will hold a general election. 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 rule of law and to accept the election results. Only appropriate legal channels should be used to seek redress for any grievances. The EU has deployed an Election Observation Mission to follow the election process until its completion.

The High Representative reiterates her full support for the efforts of ECOWAS and the UNSG

Special Representative Ramos-Horta in helping the country to move towards a stable democracy.

The EU stands ready to engage with the legitimate authorities resulting from peaceful, free and credible elections and to support their efforts to reform, consolidate and reconcile the country.”