Government 'Surprised' At EU Statement 
The Daily Observer 
July 21, 2000 
By Kalifa Sanyang 

Banjul - The presidency of the European Union through the British High Commission, yesterday issued a declaration, expressing concern over last month's fatal clash between APRC and UDP supporters in Basse "and the abuses of rights recorded on that occasion. The European union calls on the Gambian authorities to respect fully the independence of the courts in the proceedings instituted against the leader of the opposition, Ousainou Darboe, and 24 members of his party, and to observe the principles of good governance."

The release ended by saying "the central and Eastern European countries associated with the European Union, the associated countries, Cyprus, Malta and Turkey, and the EFTA countries, members of the European Economic Area align themselves with this declaration."

Government responds

The EU declaration has provoked a swift reaction from the government. Yesterday afternoon, Foreign secretary, Dr ML Sedat Jobe, summoned a press conference in his office shortly after talking to President Yahya Jammeh on the phone from Kanilai.

Dr Jobe said "The Gambia government was surprised by the tone of the text and the context in which it was given. I think the most important thing for us all is the sovereignty and independence of the state. If you examine the content of the declaration, you will realise it mentions the trial of the opposition leader. In no country will somebody accused and being tried for murder be allowed to be on bail. This is an indication of the efforts made by the state to ensure that this is done in an atmosphere of sorority, national independence and sovereignty but also of not pushing things to a point where it would be felt."

Dr Jobe argued that the EU should have commended The Gambia for its efforts to encourage national reconciliation and not to come up with such declarations.

He said he will engage the resident EU representatives in talks because, "for a report like this to be made, he would have reported to the EU, and it is in the nature of the report that such statements could be made at the level of the EU presidency."

Dr Jobe said The Gambia is in a fragile subregion, the solidity of which should be guaranteed.

He said a lot of provocations have been going on, to which, the government never reacted, "but we will not allow the image of the country to be tarnished and we should not try to push matters to an extent where the government is being blamed when, in fact, it is the rule of law, and a rule of law in comprehension, that is going on."

Dr Jobe also disclosed that the government will urge the EU to be fair with it in relation to current national developments for greater EU-Gambia government collaboration and enhancement of subregional peace.

However, he clarified, "There is no intention of glossing over a situation here. What I am saying is that, we should try, ourselves, to address the various problems that are being reported to the outside world and to know in which context they are being done and to what extent it is prejudicial to tarnish international relations."

Dr Jobe said what President Jammeh would like, is a country where the opposition will be "responsible and participatory and feels it belongs to the country and could be counted upon, but not only being negative, provocative and desirous of creating an atmosphere which will give a wrong image of the country abroad."

Dr Jobe added that President Jammeh is "very jealous" of The Gambia's independence and dignity "which we will not sell for anything... or take any dictates. We are prepared for that."

He said "artificial atmospheres" were being created and issues blown out of proportion with intent to distort the country's image in a manner that does not conform with realities on the ground.

"It happens that people differ in opinion, but when this occurs, opinionists should be honest enough to recognise the efforts and achievements of their opponents."

On claims of human rights violations in The Gambia, Dr Jobe said it was the duty of the local press to prove such claims wrong, based on facts.

He said if The Gambia was a country where human rights is not respected, it would not have been allowed to house the regional human rights office at the approval of major foreign states.

"I do not believe it should be condoned even for one minute that this country is devoid of human rights."

Dr Jobe also dismissed claims that his recent trip to Dakar, Senegal was meant to negotiate the possible extradition of fugitive former NBD commissioner, Alagie Kanteh, who has been charged with treason along with other civilians and military personnel.

He said it will be "unfair if the forgiving nature" of President Jammeh is not realised, considering the number of betrayals he had had since the takeover in 1994.

Dr Jobe also briefed reporters about his recent trips to Senegal, Angola, Nigeria, Syria and the United States.

He said several foreign ministers including the British Foreign secretary, Robin Cook, whom he met in Damascus, Syria were impressed with The Gambia's peace efforts in the subregion.

Dr Jobe also gave an update on the Casamance peace talks and said a meeting of "a different format" from preceding ones will be called in The Gambia soon.

He said President Jammeh, "despite all discouraging statements," is determined to arriving at a peaceful conclusion to the Casamance peace deal. 

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Copyright (c) 2000 The Daily Observer. Distributed via Africa News Online (www.africanews.org). 

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