EU Council reinforces sanctions against military junta in Guinea-Bissau

Ref: &nbsp;CL12-075EN
Source UE: &nbsp;Conseil
UN forum: &nbsp;
Date: &nbsp;31/5/2012

Sommaire: 31 May 2012, Brussels - In view of the gravity of the current situation in Guinea-Bissau, the Council of the European Union today strengthened EU sanctions against persons threatening peace, security or stability in that country.

The Council added 15 individuals to the list of those banned from entering the EU and subject to a freeze of their assets within the EU.

EU High Representative Catherine Ashton said: "The EU has imposed sanctions on the members of the military junta as they threaten security and stability in Guinea-Bissau. We continue to demand that constitutional order be immediately restored."

The Council decision also incorporates the provisions of UN Security Council resolution 2048 (2012) into EU law. The resolution subjects five members of the military junta, who had already been listed under the EU's autonomous sanctions regime, to a UN travel ban.

Today's decision will be published in the Official Journal of 1 June, together with a complete list of all designated individuals.

EU development aid to Guinea-Bissau has been suspended since the military mutiny of 1 April 2010 and the subsequent appointment of its main instigators as chief of staff of defence and navy chief. However, humanitarian aid and direct support to the population have not been affected by this freeze.