Equatorial Guinea Signs Agreement With the Red Cross

MALABO, Equatorial Guinea, Jan. 28, 2011 /PRNewswire-USNewswire/ -- The government of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea  (Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial) has signed an agreement with the Red Cross for Central Africa for permanent mission and continuous dialogue between the government of Equatorial Guinea and the Red Cross.  Equatorial Guinea's Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Cooperation and Francophonie, Pastor Micha Ondo Bile, met with the Regional Delegate of the Red Cross for Central Africa (IFRC), Jean-Jacques Tshamala to sign the agreement

President Obiang continues to follow the comprehensive reform and transparency program that he announced in an address at the 2010 Global Forum in Cape Town, South Africa. At that time, he pledged to invite the International Red Cross to install its headquarters in Equatorial Guinea and assist in reviewing and assessing all allegations of human rights violations in the country. "We will also ask for help in monitoring our Criminal Justice System and prisons to ensure the humane treatment and appropriate for those convicted of crimes."

In declarations to the press, Jean-Jacques Tshamala expressed his satisfaction with the signing of the agreement. "The Red Cross has been working in this country for a long time and we are aware of the need to continue to contribute to and support the country's progress. This agreement will serve, for example, to reinforce the ability of the armed forces in humanitarian sectors, and to debate together the specific problems of the sectors in which we are collaborating."

In June, Archbishop Desmond Tutu wrote President Obiang a letter offering assistance for the government's efforts toward human rights and transparency reform.  In addition to its efforts to develop a system of greater transparency and respect for the rule of law, the government has launched a program to develop infrastructure throughout the country. It has built airports, roads, schools, and hospitals with the goal of investing the funds from the country's natural resources for the benefit of all its citizens.

About Equatorial Guinea

The Republic of Equatorial Guinea (Republica de Guinea Ecuatorial) is the only Spanish-speaking country in Africa, and one of the smallest nations on the continent. In the late-1990s, American companies helped discover the country's oil and natural gas resources, which only within the last five years began contributing to the global energy supply. Equatorial Guinea is now working to serve as a pillar of stability and security in its region of West Central Africa. The country will host the 2011 Summit of the African Union. For more information, visit http://www.guineaecuatorialpress.com.

This has been distributed by Qorvis Communications, LLC on behalf of the Republic of Equatorial Guinea. More information on this relationship is on file at the United States Department of Justice, Washington, D.C.

SOURCE Republic of Equatorial Guinea