New York  - The UN Security Council on Tuesday called for bringing before justice those responsible for the assassinations of Guinea-Bissau's President Joao Bernardo Vieira and his Army chief General Batista Tagme Na Waie.

The 15-nation council issued a statement condemning in the "strongest terms" the assassinations of the West African leader on Monday and the army general on Sunday.

"The council calls on the government of Guinea-Bissau to bring to justice those responsible for these violent acts," the statement said.

It called on the government, political leaders, the armed forces and people of Guinea-Bissau to remain calm and exercise restraint, to maintain stability and constitutional order, and to respect the rule of law and democratic process.

It urged all parties to resolve their disputes through peaceful means.

UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon on Monday condemned the murders, which took place while the UN was preparing to provide further assistance to Guinea-Bissau to implement peace building projects and democratic reform. The country recently complete legislative elections.

Vieira was slain Monday by soldiers loyal to General Waie, who died in a bombing Sunday evening. (dpa)