To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what assessment the Government has made of the level of respect for human rights in Guinea following the violence at an Opposition rally on 28 September 2009; and if he will make a statement. (293779)

We believe that an accurate assessment of the human rights situation in Guinea can only be secured by an independent investigation into recent events, including the gross violations that took place on 28 September. The UK, as a member of the International Contact Group for Guinea, is actively considering with the African Union and the Economic Community of West African States the scope for an urgent independent international inquiry to conduct such an investigation.

To ask the Secretary of State for Foreign and Commonwealth Affairs what steps the Government is taking to assist regional mediation efforts to restore democracy and constitutional order in Guinea following the violence at an Opposition rally on 28 September 2009; and if he will make a statement. (293780)

As a member of the International Contact Group for Guinea, the UK is in regular contact with the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) and the African Union encouraging and supporting them in their efforts to take urgent and robust action on Guinea. We support the appointment by ECOWAS of President Campoare of Burkina Faso as mediator to the current crisis in Guinea.