CONAKRY, Dec 26: Guinea paid its final respects on Friday to the late dictator Lansana Conte as the military junta that seized control in the wake of his death planned a charm offensive to gain international legitimacy.

Supporters and even critics of the veteran strongman, who ruled with an iron fist for 24 years, took part in mourning ceremonies which began with the arrival of his coffin at the parliament in Conakry where hundreds had gathered.

Thousands were also expected to attend a special service in the national stadium later in the day before Conte’s coffin is then brought to his village of Lansanaya, around 120 kms north-west of Conakry.

Despite frequently denouncing Conte for “pillaging” the country, trade union leaders were among those paying respect with messages of condolence to his family.

Among the mourners for Conte — who himself came to power in a coup -- were neighbouring Sierra Leone’s President Ernest Bai Koroma, Liberia’s Ellen Johnson Sirleaf and Laurent Gbagbo, the president of Ivory Coast.

But as the country’s long-time ruler was being laid to rest, the mid-ranking officer who seized power within hours of Conte’s death was trying to win over international critics.

Moussa Dadis Camara, who now styles himself as president, has invited envoys from the Group of Eight, United Nations, European Union and African Union to meet him “to reassure the international community”.

The military junta, in a statement read on national radio, said it would first hold an “informational meeting” Saturday morning (1000 GMT) with “representatives of civil society, political parties, religious faiths and unions.”—AFP