Guinea Political Meeting Significant But. GPDP Leader

Mr Henry Gomez, leader of the opposition Gambia People Democratic Party (GPDP) has expressed his view that though the just concluded two day political consultative meeting held in the country is significant in all aspects, there is still need for greater collaboration between the Government of the Gambia and its opposition parties.

"If the government of the Gambia is doing that for political party leaders of Guinea Bissau with the sole objective of bringing lasting peace in their country, I don't see any reason why they can't do it here in the Gambia.

Let us all come together in this country and discuss issues of national development. We should meet and discuss the problems within ourselves as party leaders because no matter what, we can never be enemies", he added.

Mr. Gomez, who was speaking in an exclusive interview with this paper, said that for this to be achieved, the government have to open up its doors for the opposition to participate in decision making processes geared towards national development.

"We are all here for the development of this country and without dialogue, we can never achieve what we all want for this country. The opposition should not be seen as enemies but as development partners," said Mr.Gomez, who flew into the country few days to the meeting.

According to the GPDP leader, the meeting though spearheaded by President Jammeh who is the leader of the ruling APRC, should not be seen as an APRC affair but something aimed at bringing peace not only in Guinea Bissau but also for the sub-region.

Quizzed as to his reaction to the recent call by the leader of the opposition PPP party Omar Jallow (OJ) for opposition parties in the country to form a coalition in preparation for the 2011 presidential election, Mr. Gomez noted that there are pertinent issues that deserves attention and not a coalition, which he added, is too early.

"We are faced with global economic and food crisis, which if we don't stand and find solutions to, we as politicians will fail woefully. This is what interests the Gambia at the moment and not about coalition", he stated.

For Mr. Gomez, rather than just saying that the opposition has failed the Gambian people, OJ should point out fingers to those responsible because as he puts it, the GPDP was not part of the NADD coalition and thus has not failed Gambians.

"They failed the people of the Gambia because of their selfish interest. It's all about politics, there are no permanent friends, no permanent enemies but permanent interest. Everybody wants to rule but Gambians are not fools. We at the GPDP are not saying yes to a coalition and we are not saying no to a coalition but we are here to work with anyone for the development of this country", the GPDP leader emphasized.