According to the French minister, the National Council for Democracy and Develop ment(CNDD), an advisory council formed by the military junta which took power 23 December, a few hours after the death of President Lansana Conté, gave him the as surance that the deadline for the organisation of elections would be respected, provided all the conditions were met.
Mr. Joyandet, who also met the new Prime Minister, Kabinet Komara, religious leaders, political leaders, civil society and members of the Independent National Electoral Committee (INEC), said that in the light of his talks, all the protagonists wished to see a "quick organisation" of elections whose calendar would soon be established.
The six-month deadline, set by the international community, for the quick organisation of elections, a few hours after the coup, he owned up, did not appear to be reasonable for him because of the various difficulties the country is faced with.
"It is with great satisfaction that we note that there is broad consensus among all stakeholders. I noted the sincerity in the commitments made by the junta that it will not take part in the elections," the French minister said, adding that he believed in the promises made to him by the new military authorities.
However, he highlighted that France would have "greater presence" in Guinea so that the declarations made be put to effect -- the design of voters' register which must record some 6 million voters.
He promised that France was going to unfreeze certain funds, whose amount has not been specified, for the organisation of elections.
"It is out of the question to call for bilateral cooperation because of the 23 December 2008 coup", the French minister said, adding that this did not mean France's support for the junta.
Conakry - 04/01/2009
Pana
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