ECOWAS condemns attack on Guinean President's residence

Abuja, Nigeria (PANA) - The Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) has strongly condemned Tuesday's attack on the residence of President Alpha Conde of Guinea by a group of military personnel, in which one person died and many more were injured.

''ECOWAS deplores this cowardly and irresponsible act against democracy in Guinea,'' the ECOWAS Commission said in a statement made available to PANA here Wednesday.

''The Institution believes that this attack is likely to destabilize the country and destroy efforts of both the national government and the International Community at restoring democracy, good governance and the rule of law in Guinea,'' the commission said.

It demanded the prosecution of the perpetrators, advised the people to remain calm and urged the Defence and Security forces to play their role while maintaining strict respect for the spirit of democracy.

President Conde, who assumed office in December following elections, escaped unharmed after a sustain rocket and gunfire attack on his residence  

The 73-year-old Conde later appealed to his compatriots to be calm, while the cause of the attack is unravelled.
-0- PANA SEG 20July2011