Brussels, 02/04/2004 (Agence Europe) - Political consultations will be opened on 15 April in Brussels between the EU and the Republic of Guinea, under article 96 of the Cotonou agreement between the EU and the ACP (Africa, Caribbean, Pacific) countries. The decision was made by the Council of the EU, in line with the wishes of the European Commission. These consultations, which precede any sanctions, will look at the worsening of the process of democratisation of the country, which the EU criticised during the presidential elections of 21 December, and try to remedy the state of affairs The human rights situation and public affairs management will also be discussed.
A letter from the Council and the Commission was sent to the Guinean Prime Minister Lamine Simine, to explain the reason for these consultations, and invite the Guinean authorities to attend.