Skip to main content

Guinea

Volume 457: debated on Monday 5 March 2007

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps her Department is taking relating to the situation in Guinea; and if she will make a statement. (123826)

We have been concerned by events in Guinea and regret the loss of life resulting from clashes between protesters and security forces. In conjunction with international partners, our ambassador in Conakry has made several representations to the Guinean Government expressing our concern and hope that all the issues can be resolved in a way acceptable to all. We note, and welcome, the lifting of martial law on 23 February and an ending to the strike. We will continue to monitor the situation closely. We are also keeping the consular situation under close review.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment she has made of the impact which the instability in Guinea is having in the region; and if she will make a statement. (123827)

There has been no substantial impact on the region by events in Guinea so far. However, we have concerns that if the situation substantially deteriorated again, there could be an impact on Guinea’s neighbouring countries. We therefore welcome the efforts of the Economic Community of West African States and regional heads of state in helping to mediate between the Guinean Government and the trade unions and opposition parties.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what support her Department is giving to the Government of Guinea to help resolve the instability in that country; and if she will make a statement. (123828)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what consideration is being given to possible military assistance to the Guinean Government; and if she will make a statement. (123847)

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions she has had with the Government of France regarding the situation in Guinea; and if she will make a statement. (123848)

We have discussed the current situation in Guinea with French colleagues in Paris and in Conakry, and will continue to do so. Discussions have covered political events and also consular contingency planning should the situation deteriorate again.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what discussions have been held in the UN Security Council regarding the situation in Guinea; and if she will make a statement. (123849)

There have been no discussions regarding Guinea at the UN Security Council so far. The Secretary-General of the UN issued a statement on 22 January expressing grave concern at events. The statement can be found on the UN website at:

http://www.un.org/apps/sg/sgstats.asp?nid=2417

I will also arrange for a copy to be sent to my hon. Friend and a copy will also be placed in the Library of the House.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assistance is being given to facilitate a national dialogue to resolve the situation in Guinea; and if she will make a statement. (123852)