TFGV01: EMBASSY STATEMENT ON GUINEA CRISIS

UNCLAS CONAKRY 000186 SIPDIS SIPDIS C O R R E C T E D COPY ADDED SIPDIS DESIGNATION E.O. 12598: NA TAGS: KPAO PINS AEMR PREL GV SUBJECT: TFGV01: EMBASSY STATEMENT ON GUINEA CRISIS ¶1. With the Department's concurrence, we have disseminated the following press statement dated February 16, 2007. ¶2. Text also available in French from PAO Andrew McLean at McLeanAJ@state.gov ¶3. Begin text: The United States is deeply concerned over the crisis in Guinea and the declaration of a state of siege. We condemn the suspension -- even partial -- of civilian rule, the use of lethal force against the civilian population, the abrogation of basic freedoms, and the roll-back of the democratic process. We are deeply concerned by credible reports of serious human rights abuses. We urge Guinea's military and security forces to exercise restraint and to refrain from acts of intimidation or violence against the civilian population. The Guinean armed forces, security forces, and civilian officials involved in such abuses must be held accountable for their actions. We deplore acts of violence, including the theft and destruction of property by civilians and non-civilians. The disorder that plagues Guinea reflects widespread popular discontent caused by decades of poor governance. We deeply regret that efforts to resolve the crisis through dialogue have thus far failed. The declaration of a state of siege and the accompanying restrictions on civil liberties are not conducive to the political dialogue that Guinea so desperately needs. The United States remains a friend of the Republic of Guinea and the Guinean people. We call for the lifting of the state of siege before the end of the 12-day period, the return of the military to their barracks, the restoration of basic freedoms, the resumption of political dialogue, and the restoration of civilian rule. We call on all Guineans to use constructive political dialogue and the constitutional means at their disposal to bring about the changes necessary to resolve the crisis and to establish effective, democratic governance. McDONALD