(23 Dec 08 - RV) Guinea announced the death of its long-serving president, Lansana
Conte, today and hours later a military officer made a broadcast on state radio saying
the constitution and government had been suspended.
But later National
Assembly President Aboubacar Sompare dismissed the military’s claim and declared 40
days of mourning, amid increased concern that the West African Nation could succumb
to violence. Philippa Hitchen has this report: