Accra, Oct. 1, GNA - Government has condemned the unwarranted attack on unarmed citizens in Conakry, Guinea that led to the death of more than 150 people seeking to safeguard the transition to democratic rule and restore political stability and respect for the rule of law. The deaths and injuries occurred following the shooting of unarmed persons at a protest rally at a sports stadium on September 28. A statement issued in Accra on Thursday and signed by Mr Chris Kpodo, Deputy Minister of Foreign Affairs said "it is particularly distressing that the victims were only demonstrating against moves by Captain Moussa Dadis Camara, leader of the military junta, to present himself as a candidate in presidential elections scheduled for early 2010 in spite of his own expressed commitment to the international community to the contrary".

It said "the Government of Ghana expresses its deep condolences to the bereaved families and joins the United Nations Secretary General, the African Union (AU), ECOWAS and all peace-loving people in condemning such acts of repression, which are inimical to the development of democratic culture and the progress of the West African Sub-region". The statement called on Captain Camara and members of the ruling junta to cease all acts of repression and respect the rights and liberties of the Guineans.

"They should honour the commitments made to the international community and desist from manipulating the transition process leading to democratic elections in 2010," it added. 1 Oct. 09