The EU revises conditions for a full resumption of cooperation with Guinea
The European Union today revised the conditions for fully resuming EU cooperation with the Republic of Guinea (doc. 12453/1/11 REV 1 
). Today's decision acknowledges Guinea's progress towards constitutional rule and democratisation and eases the conditions for a full resumption of EU support.
Following the military coup on 23 December 2008, the EU partially suspended development cooperation with Guinea. To accompany the return to constitutional order and democracy, a roadmap for gradual resumption of EU aid was set out in July 2009.
The EU considers that the Republic of Guinea has significantly progressed on this roadmap, in particular through the democratic election of a new president and the establishment of a civilian government. Today's decision acknowledges these important milestones and facilitates full resumption of cooperation.
Accordingly, programming documents can be signed once the Guinean authorities have adopted an electoral calendar leading to parliamentary elections before the end of 2011. Also, preparations for new programmes will start and funds for basic social services will become available. Cooperation will be fully resumed once Guinea has held free and transparent parliamentary elections.
"The 2010 presidential elections represent a crucial milestone in Guinea's return to constitutional order and democratisation. The transition is not over yet, but important steps in the right direction have already been taken. I would like to encourage the Guinean authorities to continue their efforts towards reform and national reconciliation. The legislative elections should be held as soon as possible and efforts to ensure a transparent and inclusive process should not be spared. Increased efforts are also needed in the fight against impunity and the reform of the security sector," said Catherine Ashton, the High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy.
The High Representative confirmed EU's commitment to support the organisation of the legislative elections as well as the government's efforts to stimulate economic growth.
"I met President Alpha Condé on 6 May 2011 and I assured him that the EU remains at their side to help Guinea complete the political transition and to put the country back on the track towards stability and economic growth. Following significant progress by Guinea on the roadmap for a return to constitutional rule and democratisation, the EU has already partially resumed cooperation and mobilised € 40 million of additional emergency funds. Today's decision allows a more rapid resumption of full cooperation. Funds destined to social services will thus be made available once the Guinean authorities have adopted a detailed calendar for the holding of parliamentary elections this year. The remaining funds for governance, transports and other sectors will become available upon completion of parliamentary elections. I trust the authorities will undertake all the necessary efforts in ensuring that the upcoming parliamentary elections will comply with international standards," declared Andris Piebalgs, EU Commissioner for Development.
