Identifier
Created
Classification
Origin
09CONAKRY649
2009-10-09 14:51:00
UNCLASSIFIED//FOR OFFICIAL USE ONLY
Embassy Conakry
Cable title:
LABOR UNIONS CALL FOR TWO DAYS OF "COMPASSION AND
how-toVZCZCXRO6912 PP RUEHBZ RUEHDU RUEHGI RUEHJO RUEHMA RUEHMR RUEHPA RUEHRN RUEHTRO DE RUEHRY #0649 2821451 ZNR UUUUU ZZH P 091451Z OCT 09 FM AMEMBASSY CONAKRY TO RUEHC/SECSTATE WASHDC PRIORITY 4153 INFO RUEHZO/AFRICAN UNION COLLECTIVE RUEHZK/ECOWAS COLLECTIVE RHEFDIA/DIA WASHINGTON DC RUEAIIA/CIA WASHDC RHMFISS/HQ USAFRICOM STUTTGART GE
UNCLAS CONAKRY 000649
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ELAB PHUM KDEM PGOV PREL ASEC GV
SUBJECT: LABOR UNIONS CALL FOR TWO DAYS OF "COMPASSION AND
REFLECTION"
UNCLAS CONAKRY 000649
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ELAB PHUM KDEM PGOV PREL ASEC GV
SUBJECT: LABOR UNIONS CALL FOR TWO DAYS OF "COMPASSION AND
REFLECTION"
1. (U) Guinea's labor unions have formally declared their
intent to observe two days of "compassion and reflection" on
October 12 and 13. Referring to September 28 as "Black
Monday" because of the extensive violence suffered at the
hands of the Red Berets, the unions stated that Guineans must
join together to honor the victims. These two days are also
intended to honor the victims of violence perpetrated in 2006
and 2007.
2. (U) The unions note that the two days will be observed
nationwide, not only to reflect on the victims of violence,
but also as a demonstration of formal protest as well as the
solidarity of the Guinean people. Contacts are equating the
unions' declaration with a "ville morte," or dead city,
during which the city shuts down and citizens generally stay
home as a form of protest. Although that generally seems to
be the intent behind the two days of reflection, Forces Vives
contacts say the unions have not actually called for a ville
morte. (COMMENT. The violence in 2007 began with a
nationwide labor strike and ville morte, which began
peacefully, but then rapidly escalated. END COMMENT).
BROKENSHIRE
SIPDIS
SENSITIVE
E.O. 12958: N/A
TAGS: ELAB PHUM KDEM PGOV PREL ASEC GV
SUBJECT: LABOR UNIONS CALL FOR TWO DAYS OF "COMPASSION AND
REFLECTION"
1. (U) Guinea's labor unions have formally declared their
intent to observe two days of "compassion and reflection" on
October 12 and 13. Referring to September 28 as "Black
Monday" because of the extensive violence suffered at the
hands of the Red Berets, the unions stated that Guineans must
join together to honor the victims. These two days are also
intended to honor the victims of violence perpetrated in 2006
and 2007.
2. (U) The unions note that the two days will be observed
nationwide, not only to reflect on the victims of violence,
but also as a demonstration of formal protest as well as the
solidarity of the Guinean people. Contacts are equating the
unions' declaration with a "ville morte," or dead city,
during which the city shuts down and citizens generally stay
home as a form of protest. Although that generally seems to
be the intent behind the two days of reflection, Forces Vives
contacts say the unions have not actually called for a ville
morte. (COMMENT. The violence in 2007 began with a
nationwide labor strike and ville morte, which began
peacefully, but then rapidly escalated. END COMMENT).
BROKENSHIRE