After hours of misunderstandings and discontent, which raised fears of an impasse in negotiations mediated by Burkina Faso's President Blaise Compaore, designated by the ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), the talks resume today for three days in Ouagadougou between Guinea's ruling junta and opposition.
The so-called Live Forces, which includes the opposition, unions and civil society, is due to present a counter-proposal to the mediator, after rejecting a proposal of the mediator on Friday that foresaw a 10-months transition period, headed by the junta leader captain Moussa Dadis Camara.
The Live Forces remain firm on their position regarding Camara, demanding he step down and the dissolution of the junta, as suggested in the past by the 'International Contact Group for Guinea'.
According to the Live Forces, the transition must be headed by a civilian or military figure chosen consensually by the sides and no junta member should be allowed to run in the elections.
"My proposals are merely a preliminary phase of the negotiation, now the true debate opens", said Compaore, whose mediating role drew some criticism, though he obtained the trust of the sides.
After 25 years of military rule of the late general Lansana Conte, Guinea has been ruled for 10 months by the junta, which progressively lost popularity after the announcement of a possible candidature in the presidential election of Camara.
The situation deteriorated further after the September 28 violent crackdown on an opposition demonstration that according to independent sources and the UN left over 150 dead, while according to the junta 57.
A UN international inquiry commission is investigating the circumstances of the repression and members of the panel are expected in Conakry November 25. [BO]
