20101210
africanews

The continental political bloc African Union has lifted sanctions imposed on Guinea after a coup d'etat two years ago. The move follows the election of a new civilian president in the West African country some few weeks back.

"We have duly acknowledged that there was a return to constitutional order in Guinea," Reuters quoted AU Peace and Security Commissioner Ramtane Lamamra as saying to reporters."Therefore sanctions are lifted."

Veteran opposition leader Alpha Conde was finally confirmed as president-elect of the world's top exporter of aluminium ore bauxite last week after disputed elections that triggered violence.

Conde has said he plans to set up a truth and reconciliation commission to address the violence during the elections. He also promised to address past human rights abuses.

AU had imposed measures such as visa bans and foreign asset freezes on military leaders who seized power after the December 2008 death of former ruler Lansana Conte.