>>
>It is disheartening to observe the proliferation of conflict situations in
>different regions of the world. To make Africa's determined effort at
>conflict prevention, resolution, management and peacekeeping successful and
>sustainable, I call on the international community to provide greater moral
>and institutional support for the attainment of these noble objectives
>
>
>
>The present imbalances and lack of fair adjustments in our participation in
>the process of globalisation should also be addressed so as to enable
>developing countries take advantage of world economic growth by mobilising
>both domestic and external resources for sustained economic growth and
>development.
>
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>Yahya Jammeh, the answer to your question/statements, lies in the following:



 The Point Published 09/01/00



 We Still Await Findings Of Coroner And Enquiry'
- British H/Commissioner
John Perrot British High Commissioner to The Gambia has said they are still
waiting for the publication of the findings of the Coroner and the Commission
of Enquiry following the events of April 10 and 11. He was speaking at the
start of "the Gambia Police Force Human Rights Seminar" sponsored by the
British High Commission in the Gambia, which kicked off yesterday at Kariaba
Beach Hotel.

Commissioner Perrot continued: "The shocking deaths of 10 and 11 April, death
and subsequent arrests at Basse in June and more recent arrests of civilians
and parliamentarians in clear violation of the constitution are all deeply
regrettable indeed I would say deplorable, incidents: Incidents of the like I
hope, we all hope, will not be repeated." As you will all be aware, he noted,
the EU presidency's statement about the incidents sought, amongst other
things, re-assurances about the use of excessive force in controlling civil
disturbance.

Mr. Perrot felt that lessons could be learnt from the incidents by the police
and other security forces. He said the role of the police was clearly
"fundamental in the protection of the rights of all citizens." "This
responsibility is an onerous one. Your critics will always watch for any
perceived failures by any member of the security forces when carrying out
their duties and will be quick to attack even the slightest hint of any
failure."

He made public his commitment of helping the IGP and his team in their
efforts to increase the efficiency and professionalism of the police. "We
have also publicly commended the government for its rapid deployment of
Gambia Police to serve with the UN in Kosovo, East Timor and Sierra Leone,"
he added. In his remarks, the Secretary of State for Interior, Ousman Badjie,
emphasised the need for the maintenance of rule of law at all cost.

"Mr. Chairman, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, you will agree with me
that no one wants to live in a country where there is total disregard for
authority, as in such situations everybody else's right could be violated,"
he said. Adding: "We all must understand that we have a very important role
to play in showing sincere commitment to protect human rights and promote
peace and stability."

Badjie thanked the organisers of the workshop and further expressed gratitude
to the British High Commission for funding it. In his turn, the Inspector
General of Police, Alhaji Sankung Badjie said that the seminar would help the
participants in enhancing their knowledge and skills. He re-echoed Secretary
Badjie's expression of gratitude to the British High Commission for
responding to their request for sponsorship of the workshop.

The ceremony was followed by paper presentation on topics such as: Civil
Rights and liberties in the Gambia; Human Rights and Law enforcement. The
seminar, which concludes today, is chaired by the deputy IGP Tamsir M.
Jasseh.

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