U.N.: Order needed in Guinea-Bissau

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UNITED NATIONS, July 27 (UPI) -- While stressing its independence, a U.N. envoy to Guinea-Bissau called on international partners to help the country restore constitutional order.

Military forces that toppled the government in Guinea-Bissau in April returned power to civilian authorities the next month and agreed to organize elections within a year. U.N. officials expressed concern about instability in the country despite the political developments.

Joseph Mutaboba, head of the U.N. mission in Guinea-Bissau, briefed members of the U.N. Security Council on developments in the West African country. The people of Guinea-Bissau, he said, have an obligation to find their own solutions to political crises.

"But equally, regional, continental and international partners must arrive at a common position on how best to assist the country in moving toward the full restoration of constitutional order," he said in a statement.

Mutaboba said the country was divided along political lines, with supporters of the transitional government, coup supporters and opposition groups aligned on different sides.

None of Guinea-Bissau's elected leaders has finished a term in office since the country gained independence from Portugal in the 1970s. A coup attempt was thwarted in December.