HC Deb 15 October 2003 vol 411 cc269-70W
Angus Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment his Department has made of the coup in Guinea-Bissau on 14 September; what recent discussions representatives of the UK have had with representatives of(a) the former regime and (b) the new regime; and if he will make a statement. [131532]

Mr. Mullin

We condemn any assumption of power by unconstitutional means, and support a swift return to constitutional rule in Guinea-Bissau. We welcomed the quick and peaceful handover of power to the Transitional Council, and the positive role played by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) in this process. There are plans to hold legislative elections by March 2004, and presidential elections by the following year. It will be important to address Guinea-Bissau's deep economic and social problems as part of wider effort to restore stability.

We have held discussions with EU and UN partners, the UNSG's Special Representative and ECOWAS about the coup. We have had no recent discussions with representatives of either the old or new regimes in Guinea-Bissau.

Angus Robertson

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions(a) he and (b) members of his Department have had with representatives of (i) the Government of Portugal, (ii) the Governments of other EU member states, (iii) the US Government, (iv) the Government of South Africa, (v) the United Nations and (vi) the Organisation of West African States since 14 September concerning developments in Guinea-Bissau. [131533]

Mr. Mullin

Following the 14 September coup in Guinea Bissau, officials held discussions with the Portuguese, with other EU partners, and with Security Council partners and other United Nations officials. We supported the statements issued by the UN Security Council on 15 September and by the EU on 18 September. Neither my right hon. Friend the Foreign Secretary nor officials have held separate talks on Guinea Bissau with the US Government or with the South African Government. Officials have been briefed on developments by the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).