Bangui embarks on diplomatic campaign

The Central African Republic (CAR) has begun a diplomatic offensive across the region to explain the new administration's policies, Prime Minister Abel Goumba told IRIN on Tuesday. He said the minister for foreign affairs, Abdoul Karim Meckassoua, visited Angola, the Republic of Congo, the Democratic Republic of the Congo, and Gabon last week and that he is scheduled to visit Chad, Sudan and West Africa this week. At the same time, the CAR has received delegations from the African Union and the Organisation of French-Speaking Countries, known as the Francophonie. "They seem to be understanding and very keen on a quick return to democracy," he said. Goumba, 76, said his government would ask donors and financial institutions to support a post-conflict programme of economic recovery for the landlocked country. During the conflict between rebels loyal to former CAR army chief of staff Francois Bozize and government forces that began in October 2002, administrative, health, education and water facilities as well as private homes and shops were vandalised, looted or burnt. Bozize ousted President Ange-Felix Patasse in a coup on 15 March. Bozize later named a 28-member transitional government, with Goumba as prime minister. Meanwhile, Goumba told IRIN that his government had welcomed the UN Security Council statement on 17 April commending the political progress Bozize's administration had made since 15 March, with the appointment of “a respected” prime minister. "I am particularly happy about the UN communique which honours the entire CAR people," he said.