Guinea ministers defer to junta

Guinea’s government ministers have declared they are ready to serve under the army officers who seized power in a coup on Tuesday, when the West African country’s old dictator died.

The junta has told the government ministers they are safe, and could find themselves back in business if the country manages to avoid armed confrontation.

Captain Moussa Dadis Camara, chosen by the military junta as leader, said he would not stand as a candidate for president in promised elections two years from now.

“I have been given a chance to guide the destiny of the nation. My sacred mission, tied to my culture and my experience, is not to betray the nation. I am incorruptible. Money does not interest me.”

Camara says the coup is “a civic act” to rid Guinea of corruption.

The United Nations, African Union, European Union and United States, however, have condemned the coup, which came three days ago when President Lansana Conte died after a long illness.

Guinea is the world’s biggest exporter of aluminium ore bauxite and a target for billions of euros-worth in mining investment.

Copyright © 2009 euronews

tags: Guinea