A United Nations Security Council delegation
arrived in Guinea-Bissau today on the first stop of a planned seven-country
mission to West Africa to explore opportunities for regional peace and
stability.
Among the delegation's appointments
today was a meeting with President Kumba Yala. Ambassador Adolfo Aguilar
Zinser of Mexico is leading the first leg of the mission, standing in for
Ambassador Jeremy Greenstock of the United Kingdom, who is expected to
join the delegation over the weekend.
The Council mission is also expected to visit Nigeria, Ghana, Côte d'Ivoire, Guinea, Liberia and Sierra Leone. Council members will examine country-specific issues and developments at each stop. They will also aim to encourage more cooperation among the countries of the sub-region and to assess progress towards Council objectives on the protection of civilians and children affected by armed conflict.