“We have been following since the beginning, and the situation is indeed very delicate,” stated the head of the Government, responding to Livre deputy Rui Tavares, during the parliamentary debate in preparation for the upcoming European Council meeting on December 18 and 19.
Montenegro commented that an extraordinary meeting of the Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) was taking place early this afternoon, initiated by Portugal and with the participation of the Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel, to analyze the situation in this African country, where the military took power after legislative elections.
“The CPLP needs to take a stance to safeguard the credibility of the community and to contribute to safeguarding the regular functioning of its member states without direct interference,” said the Prime Minister, noting that Guinea-Bissau currently holds the presidency of the Lusophone community.
Montenegro expressed hope that today’s meeting would result in four conclusions.
“Condemnation of the disruption of constitutional normality; recognition of a practical impediment to the final determination and proclamation of the election results [held on November 23]; demand for the immediate release of all those detained following the coup, and a desire to find an interim presidency solution that ensures the continuity of the CPLP’s work,” he specified.
The Prime Minister emphasized that the CPLP’s observation mission for the general elections had reported that “the process went well,” but at present, “there are no conditions to ensure the credibility of a final determination and proclamation.”
Earlier, deputy Rui Tavares had questioned the Government about the situation in that country, reminding them that there are “political prisoners” with Portuguese nationality or connections to Portugal.
“The African Union has already suspended Guinea-Bissau, and we hear nothing from the CPLP and the Portuguese Government,” he commented.
The deputy from Livre also questioned Montenegro about the situation in Venezuela, following the President of the United States, Donald Trump, having “threatened to attack” that country, particularly concerning “the hundreds of thousands” of Portuguese and Portuguese-descendants residing there.
“We are monitoring with great concern the increase in tension and are in direct contact with various partners,” Montenegro responded.
