ABUJA, April 2 (Xinhua) -- The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has condemned in strong terms the reported attempt by a section of the military junta in Guinea-Bissau to destabilize that country.

A statement from the ECOWAS Commission in Abuja expressed serious concerns about reports of ongoing attempts to destabilize the country by a section of the military junta.

The statement warned those responsible for the act of a robust response and dire consequences from ECOWAS and the entire international community.

According to the statement, the attempt was coming at a time when the successful presidential election of July 2009 had created the required environment for ECOWAS and the international community to strengthen the democratic and national reconciliation process.

"ECOWAS is therefore, watching the developments in the country very closely and will leave no stone unturned in its efforts to defend the democratic gains and maintain stability in the country, " the statement said.

The regional bloc urged the AU and the UN to view the latest act by the military as an opportunity to scale-up joint efforts to stabilize the political, security and economic situation in the country.

Meanwhile, the statement has appealed to Guineans to remain calm while efforts were being made to restore normalcy.