Britain urges Guyana's leader to recall parliament

GEORGETOWN, Guyana (AP) — Britain is demanding that the South American country of Guyana recall its parliament and allow suspended lawmakers to approve key pieces of legislation.

British High Commissioner to Guyana Andrew Ayre says President Donald Ramotar should act swiftly to resume sittings of the 65-member National Assembly. He said late Monday that the move was necessary to preserve democracy.

Ramotar had suspended the assembly on Nov. 10 for a maximum of six months to halt a no-confidence debate.

The move would allow his administration to negotiate with the opposition-controlled parliament on a legislative agenda without calling early elections.

An opposition party had filed a no-confidence vote in September after accusing the government of being "recalcitrant and renegade."