HC Deb 20 April 2004 vol 420 c448W
Mr. Chidgey

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs if he will make a statement on the formation of the new government in Guinea in March. [166588]

Mr. Mullin

On 23 February, President Conte announced the appointment of the former Foreign Minister Francois Fall as Prime Minister. On 2 March he announced a further round of ministerial changes, with five new additions to the Cabinet.

The British Government, and the EU more broadly, are concerned at issues of governance and human rights in Guinea. EU article 96 negotiations have started. Under Article 96 of the Cotonou Agreement the EC is able to take appropriate measures, such as the suspension of aid, against Africa, Caribbean and Pacific states who fail to meet their obligations regarding human rights, democracy and the rule of law.