17 FEV 99 - 21:00

Guinea-Bissau: Viera and Mane Promise to Stop Using Arms to Resolve Conflict

Lome, Feb. 17 (Lusa) - President Nino Vieira and rebel Military Junta leader Ansumane Mane announced Wednesday that they would "never again use arms" to resolve the conflict in Guinea-Bissau.

The commitment not to use arms was made in the presence of Togolese President Gnassingbe Eyadema, who currently chairs the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

Vieira, Mane and Eyadema met Wednesday at the presidential residence in Lome.

ECOWAS mediated the Nov. 2 Abuja accord that put an end to a five-month military revolt against Vieira. A Togolese-led West African peacekeeping force has since deployed in Bissau to separate pro-Vieira forces from Miltary Junta rebels.

17 FEV 99 - 20:34

Guinea-Bissau: EU Ready to Provide Additional Aid - Joao de Deus Pinheiro

Braga, Portugal, Feb. 17 (Lusa) - The European Commissioner for the ACP (Africa, Caribbean and Pacific) Countries, Joao de Deus Pinheiro, said Wednesday that the European Union was ready to provide additional financial assistance to aid the recovery of the Guinea-Bissau economy.

"As soon as the two conflicting parties reach agreement and peace returns to the country, the European Commission will study an aid package to recuperate infrastructures affected by the civil war", Deus Pinheiro said.

The country's economy has been at a standstill since a military mutiny against President Nino Vieira broke out last June.

Deus Pinheiro added that European Commissioner Emma Bonino, who was in Bissau over the weekend, had informed pro-Vieira loyalists and the rebel Military Junta of the EU position.

17 FEV 99 - 14:32

Guinea-Bissau: President Vieira, Rebel Mane Holding Surprise Meeting in Togo

Bissau, Feb. 17 (Lusa) - Guinea-Bissau President Nino Vieira and rebel chief Brig. Ansumane Mane were to meet Wednesday in the Togolese capital of Lome to review measures aimed at implementing their peace accord, various sources told Lusa.

The meeting, which was not publicly announced, was arranged by Togolese President Gnassingbe Eyadema, who currently presides over the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS).

ECOWAS mediated the Nov. 2 peace accord and has deployed a West African peacekeeping force in Guinea-Bissau.

Vieira and Mane last met in Bissau Sunday, with Vieira announcing they had resolved their differences.

Accompanied by Guinea-Bissau's designated defense minister and Swedish diplomat Ulla Andren, Mane departed secretly for Lome Monday, while Vieira left, also unannounced, Tuesday.

Rebel Military Junta sources told Lusa Mane met with Eyadema Tuesday and, among other issues, complained that neighboring Senegal had yet to comply with the peace treaty stipulation that it withdraw its forces backing Vieira.

Contactos E-mail:
Geocities:  bissau@oocities.com

Outros endereços desta Página:

Guiné-Bissau, o Conflito no «site» Geocities (Integral)

Guiné-Bissau, o Conflito no «site» FortuneCity

---