Brussels / Abidjan, 11/01/2000 (Agence Europe) - As EUROPE announced earlier (see 7 January, page 7), the European Commission submitted a formal proposal to the Council on Friday recommending consultations with the ACP states with a view to possible initiation of the procedure for the suspension of cooperation with Côte d'Ivoire under the Lomé Convention. The Commission's communication to the Council states that the declared objectives of the National Committeee on Public Salvation, set in place by General Robert Guei following the coup d'etat on 23 December, are to: guarantee the security of persons and goods; restore the authority of the state; create the conditions for true democracy with a view to the organisation of free, fair and transparent elections; and hold broad consultations with political parties on the early establishment of a government of national union. It also points out that the coup d'etat has been condemned by several African states, the Economic Community of West African States, the OAU, Canada and the United States. This wording and the choice of the long procedure for preliminary consultations (whereas the Lomé Convention also offers the possibility of unilateral suspension) seem to indicate that the Commission is trying to create pressure for the early setting into place of a democratic regime while avoiding criticism for showing partiality in its attitude towards coups d'etat in terms of the countries where they occur.
EUROPE would point out that the coup d'etat in Côte d'Ivoire culminated in the overthrow of President Henri Konan Bédié. This departure is said to have been greeted with a general feeling of relief by the population, which also appreciates General Guei's stated intention of "cleaning house" by putting an end to a system of corruption and nepotism that has worsened considerably in recent years. A transitional government has been formed. It consists of 22 members, of which five military staff and members of several political parties (with strong representation of the RDR of former Prime Minister Alassane Ouattara) and representatives of civil society. This composition has been challenged by FPI leader Laurent Bagbo, who called for his formation to be given more important portfolios. Negotiations have been under way since the end of last week and on Tuesday it looked as though two additional portfolios (industry and budget) would be going to the FPI. This government will have to prepare free and fair elections to be held in June. One of the more difficult tasks ahead of it, in addition to combating corruption, is the drafting of a constitution making it possible to establish democracy. Further, the state's financial difficulties could lead to even more serious destabilisation in the country if civil servants and the armed services are not paid (General Guei has promised that the outstanding wages due to military personnel would be paid for February).
France also announced on Tuesday that it was suspending a limited part of its cooperation.