Guinea To Close Embassy In Accra?

Accra,(Greater Accra Region) 14 Oct. An envoy of President Lansana Conte of Guinea, today delivered a special message and held talks with President Jerry John Rawlings. The message, delivered by Mr. Almany Diaby, Minister of Technical Education and Professional Training, centred on Guinea's measures to reduce its diplomatic representation abroad to save cost. Mr. Diaby said Guinea is implementing a difficult Structural Adjustment Programme adding that one of the measures under it is the reduction of public expenditure. Certain measures have already been taken including a reduction in the number of public employees. ''These measures are already bearing fruit'', he said. Mr. Diaby said the next focus is Guinea's embassies. ''Therefore, President Conte has decided to consult with friends before taking a decision and this is in line with the cordial relations existing between Guinea and these countries''. ''The message I have just delivered contains proposals with regard to the Guinea Embassy in Accra. The final decision which will be taken will take into account the cordial relations existing between Guinea and Ghana. We shall make sure our relations remain cordial,'' he said. President Rawlings said whatever decision the government of Guinea arrives at concerning its embassy in Accra should take into account the cordial relations that have existed between the two countries since their independence. ''If the measure is really to save cost and boost development then it is understandable because Ghana faces a similar situation. But we have to ensure that while we strive to reduce cost, we do not lose the effectiveness of our diplomatic presence''. The President said this is the time for Ghana and Guinea to consolidate their relations and not to create a vacuum for other well- endowed countries to fill. The new global order, he went on, ''will not make things easier for us if we do not play our part to ensure that information is directly exchanged between us instead of through third parties''. ''We should also note that developed countries have strong presence in our countries and if we create vacuums they will take advantage of us. So we should not create situations which will be to our disadvantage''.