UNITED NATIONS, April 20 (UPI) -- Civilian casualties in Guinea-Bissau could be significant if the situation turns worse following a military coup, a U.S. official at the United Nations said.
Military forces earlier this month surrounded the home of Prime Minister Carlos Gomes in a coup just weeks before a runoff election. Gomes secured 49 percent of the vote during March presidential elections, which wasn't enough for a clear victory.
Gomes and acting President Raimundo Pereira are in custody.
U.S. Ambassador and Alternative Representative for Special Political Affairs Jeffrey DeLaurentis said members of the U.N. Security Council were "warned that, if civilian factions became involved in violent confrontation, casualties could be significant."
He said members condemned the coup and a decision by military leaders to make extra-constitutional appointments.
"They also committed to work quickly towards a presidential statement expressing this consensus and calling for the restoration of constitutional rule," he told reporters.
None of the country's elected leaders has finished a term, succumbing to ailments, assassinations or military coups. A coup attempt was thwarted in December.
