MAPUTO, May 2 (Xinhuanet) -- United Nations Secretary General KofiAnnan has appointed former Mozambican president Joaquim Chissano as his special envoy tasked with ensuring a "peaceful and credible" presidential elections for the troubled west African state of Guinea-Bissau.

    According to a UN press release reaching here Monday, Chissano's task will be "to facilitate peaceful and credible presidential elections in Guinea-Bissau on June 19, 2005 as an important step along a transition toward full restoration of constitutional orderand stability."

    Guinea-Bissau's June 19 elections is set to take place nearly two years after a military coup ousted president Kumba Yala. Parliamentary polls were held last year and hailed as free and fair by international observers.

    However, former Mozambican air force commander Joao Honwana, who is leading the UN Office for the Consolidation of Peace in Guinea-Bissau, has warned Annan of a rise in tension as the elections approach in that country.

    Chissano stepped down as Mozambique's president in January after 18 years in power, and his country like Guinea-Bissau is a former Portuguese colony. Enditem