4 people hurt in Guinea clashes

At least four people were injured Thursday in clashes involving protesters, security forces and government supporters that threatened to derail a planned meeting between Guinea's president and the leader of the opposition, according to Voice of America.

President Alpha Conde has invited Cellou Dalein Diallo to talks on Friday. An opposition spokesman said this week that Diallo was ready to meet Conde, after rejecting earlier overtures.

Meanwhile, youths in the capital, Conakry, blocked roads with burning tires and drove back police in some neighborhoods in the latest unrest over the timing of elections.

Residents reported hearing gunfire in the city's Sonfonia neighborhood, and a government statement said two of those hurt had been shot. Two people were arrested, it said.

Witnesses said police fired tear gas in the Bambeto and Cosa neighborhoods to disperse demonstrators.

"Counter protesters also clashed with the opposition demonstrators, throwing projectiles," one Conakry resident said.

The opposition says a decision announced in March to hold Guinea's presidential election on Oct. 11 broke a 2013 agreement to stage long-delayed local elections first.