Work in Parliament Situation of the Republic of Guinea

Under the scope of the 25th Session of the ACP-EU JOINT PARLIAMENTARY ASSEMBLY, which is taking place at the European Parliament in Brussels, Maria da Graça Carvalho made an oral intervention intervention in the debate on the situation of the Republic of Guinea (further supported by a proposal of resolution later adopted).

Maria da Graça Carvalho expressed her solidarity with the people of the Republic of Guinea and with their efforts "to complete the transition to democracy and set up a democratic state". "Indeed, she added, Guinea is currently engaged in a transition to democracy and the upcoming legislative elections are of major importance for the completion of this transition and for the creation of new democratic institutions. In this respect, it is of paramount importance that the process is transparent, peaceful and inclusive and that it remains open to all the democratic forces at play in the country".

MEP Carvalho remembered that the risks of inter-community violence are "still present" and called on all the Guinean political leaders "to make a concerted to pursue a peaceful, democratic process. It is therefore necessary that all sides demonstrate responsibility and democratic maturity" she said.

Ms Carvalho said that technical assistance provided by the European Union and other bilateral and multilateral partners remains "highly desirable" in order to monitor the electoral process and ensure that the elections are transparent and credible.

At the same time, she believes, "greater effort should be expended on combating poverty and ensuring sustainable development. This also involves strengthening the focus on issues such as education and health. Environmental issues and particularly sustainable land management and the sustainable of exploitation of natural resources must also be taken into account".

To conclude her intervention, she underlined "the positive role that a host of institutions have played in furthering this democratic process. These include the European Parliament, the Council and the European Commission as well as the member states of the European Union, the ACP States, the United Nations, ECOWAS, the OIF, the United States of America and the ACP Secretariat.