The EU has condemned the Guinean army's violent crackdown on an opposition protest that left at least 157 people dead.
Guinea's security forces opened fire yesterday on opposition supporters protesting against the junta that seized power in a bloodless coup in the west African country last December.
EU foreign policy chief Javier Solana has urged the Guinean authorities to show restraint.
'I strongly condemn the use of force to disperse the demonstrations that took place in Conakry, in Guinea, and that provoked such a high number of victims,' he said in a statement issued by his office in Brussels.
'I urge for the immediate release of the arrested political leaders and call on the authorities to exercise maximum restraint and ensure a peaceful and democratic transition,' he said.
Several prominent opposition leaders were also arrested last night during the violence, which began when thousands of people took to the streets despite a massive security operation by the authorities.
The violence was the worst since military ruler Captain Moussa Dadis Camara seized power in the 2008 coup.
It followed months of wrangling between Captain Camara and his rivals, and drew harsh criticism from former colonial power France.
Mr Camara seized power after President Lansana Conte died last December.
He enjoyed initial support from a population hungry for change but increasingly erratic behaviour has fuelled instability.
French foreign minister Bernard Kouchner says his country has suspended military ties with Guinea.
President Nicolas Sarkozy's government is also reviewing bilateral aid with the former French colony.
Mr Kouchner said: 'France reiterates its condemnation of this savage and bloody repression.
'France has decided to immediately suspend its military co-operation with Guinea. It is also examining the full scope of its bilateral aid.'
