UN threatens sanctions against Guinea-Bissau

UNITED NATIONS (AP) -- The U.N. Security Council is threatening sanctions against the perpetrators and supporters of the military coup in Guinea-Bissau if the legitimate government isn't restored.

A presidential statement adopted by the council and read at a formal meeting Saturday reiterated the council's "strong condemnation of the military coup by the military leadership and political elements" on April 12.

It demands the immediate restoration of constitutional order and reinstatement of the legitimate government, and the immediate and unconditional release of the interim president, prime minister and other officials who were detained during the coup.

Guinea-Bissau was just weeks away from holding a presidential runoff election when soldiers attacked the home of the prime minister, who was the frontrunner.

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