Accra, March 4, GNA - Government of Ghana on Wednesday strongly condemned the assassination of President Joao Bernado Nino Vieira and General Tagme na Waie, Chief of Defence Staff of Guinea Bissau. A release issued by the Minister of Foreign Affairs and Regional Integration, Alhaji Muhammad Mumuni said the government had received with deep shock and sadness the news of the assassinations of the Chief of Defence Staff and the President that occurred on March 1 and 2 respectively.

"The government of Ghana strongly condemns these developments in Guinea Bissau, which threaten to undermine an already fragile political and economic situation in that sister country."

The release stated that while extending heartfelt sympathies of the government and people of Ghana to the government and people of Guinea Bissau, and in particular the bereaved families, Ghana wished to appeal for calm in Guinea Bissau to allow the rule of law to prevail and to enable the ongoing critical democratic and reformed processes to remain on course.

It said the government of Ghana would continue to work closely with ECOWAS, the African Union and the United Nations in support of Guinea Bissau in these difficult moments, and trusted that the government and people of Guinea Bissau would remain focused and rise up to the challenges. 4 March 09