02/04/2007 (Agence Europe) - On Monday, the European Commission congratulated the prime minister of Guinea, Lansana Kouyaté, for appointing a “government of broad consensus” in respect of the agreements established at the end of February between the authorities and the unions. A press release explained that the Commission is delighted by the “spirit of dialogue” prevailing at the formation of the government and which was appointed after intense consultations with forces from civil society, political parties and independent figures. The Commission welcomes the desire of Mr Kouyaté to promote political and social dialogue, as well as the implementation of the agreements concluded with the political parties for holding free and transparent general elections. The Commission is particularly happy with the priorities given by the new government to the promotion of independent justice and good governance. It is also encouraging the new government to take action to shed light on the tragic events of January and February and to bring the guilty parties to justice. The Commission is also hoping to continue the dialogue in the near future with the Guinea authorities, in the follow-up to the consultations carried out as part of Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement. The press release notes that “this would allow for a full resumption of European cooperation in the long term”. (hb)