Press Releases PRESS STATEMENT
by
THE SECRETARY GENERAL OF THE
ORGANIZATION OF AMERICAN STATES
ON THE POST-ELECTION EVENTS IN GUYANA
12 January, 1998
At the request of the Government of Guyana, the General Secretariat of the Organization of American States conducted an election observation mission from November 22 to December 20, 1997, on the occasion of the General and Regional Elections held in Guyana on December 15, and has continued to follow events closely in that country.
The Secretary General is very concerned that, following the announcement of election results, there have been disruptive demonstrations in the capital city of Georgetown and violent acts such as the bombings directed at Le Meridien Pegasus Hotel and the Guyana Television Station.
The Secretary General issues an appeal to all sectors of Guyanese society to refrain from acts of violence which are counterproductive and contrary to the basic democratic principles of our hemisphere.
The Secretary General expresses his full support for all national and international efforts aimed at assisting in the resolution of the present situation, including the CARICOM Peace Mission currently underway.
The General Secretariat also wishes to indicate that it remains available to continue to assist Guyana, upon its request, in consolidating peace and democracy in that country.