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The Committee notes the Government’s report and the comments submitted by the International Confederation of Free Trade Unions (ICFTU) on 10 August 2006. The ICFTU’s comments refer to matters previously raised by the Committee, as well as to allegations of the police firing shots and tear gas to disperse protesting miners and the dismissal of 17 workers, including five union executives, following a strike. The Committee notes the recent communication of the Government which replies to the ICFTU’s comments. The Committee will examine the ICFTU’s comments and the Government’s reply at its next session.

In its previous comments the Committee had asked the Government to provide information in its next report on any practical use of the powers to suspend the operation of any law and prohibit public meetings and processions established under the Emergency Powers Act, 1994. The Government indicates in this respect that the Emergency Powers Act, 1994, is applicable only in exceptional cases, where a state of emergency has been declared, and then only for the duration of the state of emergency; the Act is not intended to be of general application, nor is it directed against the activities of workers’ organizations. The Committee takes due note of this information.

The Committee is raising other points in a request addressed directly to the Government.