UNITED NATIONS – Following a failed coup attempt in Guinea-Bissau, UN Secretary-General Antonio Guterres has urged for caution.

"The Secretary-General is keeping a careful eye on the situation in Guinea-Bissau. He urges all parties involved, particularly the defence and security forces, to exercise restraint and take all necessary precautions to avoid any actions that could jeopardise Guinea-peace Bissau's and stability "Farhan Haq, the UN chief's deputy spokesman,said.

According to Haq, Guterres reaffirmed the importance of all parties respecting the country's democratic institutions and urged authorities to guarantee that investigations into Tuesday's failed coup are conducted in complete line with human rights standards.

President Umaro Sissoco Embalo of Guinea-Bissau said late Tuesday that the coup attempt had been foiled and that several citizens and soldiers had been arrested. At the government palace, the attackers attempted to kill Embalo and his whole cabinet, according to Embalo.

While the President claimed that both sides suffered casualties, local media stated that at least six people died, including four attackers and two guards.

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