Guinea-Bissau's newly-elected President Malam Bacai Sanha was sworn in on Tuesday afternoon, receiving congratulations from UN Secretary-General Ban Ki-moon and UN peace official Maria Luisa Viotti.
At the inauguration ceremony, Sanha vowed to work with the government to restore peace and stability in the country, reform the military and boost economy, end the long-time domestic turbulence, so as to provide the people with a stable life.
Ban on Tuesday sent his best wishes to the new president and the people of Guinea-Bissau.
On the occasion of Sanha's inauguration, the UN chief sent his best wishes to the president and to the people of Guinea-Bissau "as they turn a new page in their history," a statement issued by Ban's spokesperson said.
Ban voiced his confidence that "with the support of international partners, the people and leaders of Guinea-Bissau will continue their efforts to strengthen democracy and foster respect for the rule of law."
Viotti, president of the commission for United Nations peace consolidation in Guinea-Bissau, hailed the return to the constitutional order in Guinea-Bissau on Monday.
She said she was satisfied with both the current political situation in the West African country and its preparations for the inauguration of the new president in the capital of Bissau.
"We think that the inauguration of the new president marks a new phase of stability, which is the result of combined efforts of the international community to consolidate peace in Guinea-Bissau," declared the Brazilian diplomat.
She also pointed out that there exist great expectations in the pursuit of the full reconciliation among the different groups in Guinea-Bissau.
"We need to take advantage of these positive impacts in order to reinforce institutional order, so that Guinea-Bissau can have necessary conditions for development and stability," she added.
The United Nations also unveiled programs to help Guinea-Bissau to revitalize economy, conduct defense and security reforms and increase employment among young people.
Sanha, the 62-year-old candidate for the ruling Independence of Guinea-Bissau and Cape Verde (PAIGC), won the presidential run-off on July 26, winning 63 percent of the votes.
The election was held after President Joao Bernardo Vieira, who ruled Guinea-Bissau for 23 years, was assassinated on March 2 in a revenge attack hours after an explosion killed his rival, military chief of staff Batista Tagme Na Waie.
(Xinhua News Agency September 9, 2009)
