The future of European engagement in Guinea-Bissau discussed. Suspension of the EUSSR mission?

(B2) The appointment as Chief of Staff of General Antonio Indjai - one of the April mutineers - is causing concern at European level. Cathy Ashton, the EU's chief diplomat, thus publicly expresses her concern about the fate of the former chief of staff, José Zamora Induta, who is currently detained, and about the general impunity of certain mutineers. She points out that "the current situation constitutes a violation of Guinea-Bissau's international commitments to respect human rights, democracy and the rule of law, essential elements of the Cotonou Agreement". She also calls "to the revision of the general commitments of the European Union in the country".

NB: This situation is on the COPS agenda on Friday. The question in particular of continuing the mission of the PeSDC intended to support security reform (EUSSR Guinea-Bissau) is all the more posed since the United States has stressed that it is impossible to reform the armed forces as long as elements suspected of participating drug trafficking will be responsible.

(NVP)