United Nations Radio

A top UN official has warned that tackling the emerging new danger of drug trafficking vigorously in Guinea-Bissau is essential for the success of ongoing peace-building initiatives.

Under-secretary-general for Political Affairs Lyn Pascoe (photo) told the Security Council Tuesday, it was meeting at a time of continuing political and security tensions in the country as preparations move ahead for crucial legislative elections scheduled for next month.

He says the Council's discussions also come against the backdrop of growing national and international concern about the impact of the illicit drug trade on Guinea-Bissau.

Pascoe warns that although Guinea-Bissau has come a long way since the civil war of the late 1990's, all of the gains achieved in establishing democratic governance and stability in the country will be at risk if the menace is not confronted head on.

"The drug trafficking threat is a major challenge to Guinea-Bissau and to its neighbors, many of which are still recovering from long periods of civil conflicts. As the United Nations continues to contribute to the consolidation of the fragile peace processes in those countries to prevent a relapse into new cycles of instability, we believe that tackling the emerging new danger of drug trafficking vigorously and resolutely is essential for the success of ongoing peace-building initiatives."

Under secretary-general Pascoe stressed that Guinea-Bissau is not the only West African country affected by the growing drug trafficking crisis in the region.

This is Donn Bobb reporting for United Nations Radio.

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