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African Union condemns Guinea-Bissau killings

(Agencies)
Updated: 2009-03-02 21:12

ADDIS ABABA -- The African Union called on Monday for Guinea-Bissau's political leaders to rally behind the legitimate authorities in the West African country after its president and army chief of staff were killed.

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The African Union's top diplomat, Jean Ping, said in a statement the killing of President Joao Bernado "Nino" Vieira on Monday and armed forces chief of staff army General Batista Tagme Na Wai a day earlier were "cowardly and heinous attacks".

"The (AU Commission) Chairperson has initiated contact with regional leaders on how best to address the current situation. Consultations are also underway to convene an emergency meeting of the Peace and Security Council, to review the situation and to take the appropriate steps," the statement said.