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U.S. Department of State Office of the Spokesman Press Statement

Press Statement by James B. Foley, Deputy Spokesman
February 22, 1999

Guinea-Bissau:
Inauguration of Government of National Unity

The United States commends all parties, particularly President Vicira and General Mane, who helped ensure the successful inauguration of Guinea-Bissau's Government of National Unity. We appreciate the vital role played by the West African ECOWAS community and the CPLP organization of Portuguese-speaking countries in bringing about a peaceful conclusion to this conflict. The inauguration of the Government of National Unity was the decisive step needed to ensure peace and the return of normalcy to Guinea-Bissau. It is our hope that the new government will quickly begin to work effectively toward national reconciliation, economic recovery, and the safe return of citizens displaced by the war.

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