Nobel Peace Laurante Designated Peace Envoy to Guinea-Bissau

Foreign Ministers of the eight member countries of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries (CPLP), meeting in Coimbra, Portugal, July 17-18, appointed Dr José Ramos-Horta as its Special Envoy for Guinea-Bissau.

The West African nation of just 1 Million people became independent from Portugal in 1973. It was relatively peaceful for several years until two successive coups in the 80's and late 90's severely disrupted the country's economy and political life.

Legislative elections are scheduled for the first week of October 2003. Commenting on his mission Dr Ramos-Horta said:

"I have never been to Guinea-Bissau but I am very familiar with the country and its people and leaders and I have the most profound affection for this brotherly nation. I have no illusions or the pretence that I am going to offer solutions to the very complex challenges faced by people of Guinea-Bissau. With discretion and humility I will try to learn and pass on my own views and experience. Guinea-Bissau has many exceptionally gifted people and they can work together and lift their country from instability and poverty."

Dr Ramos-Horta plans to travel to Guinea-Bissau during the month of August.