Guinea president asks for support

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The president of Guinea, Lansana Conte, has urged the country's people and army to support him despite ongoing protests and 12 days of a general strike.

Mr Conte has faced calls to step down from unions over his handling of the economy and because of his poor health.

Several people have been killed by security forces firing on protesters.

Food prices are said to have risen sharply in the capital, Conakry, with shortages of staple foods including rice and bread.

Hundreds of people are said to have been arrested since the strike began.

President accused

Speaking on state radio in the local Sousssou language, Mr Conte insisted his time in office was not yet over.

Guineans must remain united, above all us soldiers President Lansana Conte "Those who want power must wait their turn. It is God who gives power and when he gives it to someone, everyone must stand behind him," he said.

"Guineans must remain united, above all us soldiers, because we must be proud of wearing the uniform, a sign of allegiance to defending the country."

The head of the African Union has asked Mr Conte to begin negotiations with the unions in an effort to restore order to the west African country.

Alpha Oumar Konare wrote a letter on Friday calling for co-operation and dialogue, AFP news agency reported.

Mr Conte seized power in a 1984 coup but has since won three elections.

He is in his 70s but suffers from diabetes.

The unions, which are backed by opposition parties, blame the president for the high cost of living.

They also accuse him of personally securing the release from prison of two men, including Guinea's richest man Mamadou Sylla, accused of corruption.

The current general strike is the third in the last year.