Brussels, 29/08/2003 (Agence Europe) - Using the written procedure, the European Commission has adopted a Communication recommending that the Council holds in-depth consultations with Guinea over the breakdown of democracy in the country, as foreseen under Articles 9 and 96 of the Cotonou Agreement and ahead of the upcoming presidential elections (December 2003). The EU-ACP working group will examine the Communication at its 2 September meeting and it will then be for the Council to decide to launch the 60 day consultation period.
The Commission believes the process of introducing democracy to Guinea has continued to deteriorate since 1998. It is particularly concerned about a change in the constitution, made in November 2001, enabling the current president, Lansana Conte, to stand for a third term in December's elections (the previous constitution restricted presidents to two five year terms). The Commission therefore recommends that the Council holds consultations with the Guinea authorities to highlight the importance the EU attaches to electoral reforms in the country, fair treatment of all political candidates during the election campaign and count and freedom of the press. The Commission is also recommending that a fully independent body be set up to monitor the elections.
At the end of the consultation period, the Guinean government should make concrete pledges to implement the necessary reforms as soon as possible. If not, Article 96 of the EU-ACP partnership agreement, known as the Cotonou agreement, allows the EU to take measures (as a last resort, partially or fully suspending cooperation between the EU and Guinea).