Brussels, 02/07/2007 (Agence Europe) - The EU invites Guinea to continue with its democratic transition process and states that it will continue to cooperate with this ACP country in accordance with the Cotonou Agreement. This encouraging message was sent to the new Guinean authorities in line with the Council's decision adopted on 28 June. In a letter to the prime minister of Guinea, jointly signed by the Council and Commission, the two institutions reassert the EU's support to the democratic transition process in Guinea in accordance with the commitments entered into during the Article 96 consultations of the Cotonou Agreement concerning respect of the essential elements (democratic principles, Rule of Law, good governance). The Council underlines the need to complete implementation of the commitments made by Conakry and confirms that cooperation activities underway or being prepared under the 10th European Development Fund will be continued. EU/Guinea political consultation had been initiated in 2004 after the worsening of the democratisation process in the country, denounced by the EU (mainly during presidential elections of 21 December 2004). If Conakry had not taken commitments to remedy the political crisis that ended in February this year (EUROPE 9366), then political discussions would have led to partial or total suspension of cooperation between the EU and the Republic of Guinea. (an)