Guinea-Bissau figures hit with travel ban

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UNITED NATIONS, May 21 (UPI) -- The U.N. Security Council said it imposed a travel ban against five military officers in Guinea-Bissau for their role in an April coup.

Military forces last 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.

The Security Council placed a travel ban on five military officers tied to the coup. "Through the text, the council also demanded that the military command take immediate steps to restore and respect constitutional order by reinstating the legitimate authorities and ensuring that all soldiers return to barracks, making way for the completion of the disrupted electoral process," a resolution stated.

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.

The Security Council said it may consider financial restrictions or an arms embargo on Guinea-Bissau if military leaders refuse to address international concerns.