[Debate] EU rejects the military regime in Guinea-Bissau

[rosemary galli]

April 23: The military invite civil society leaders, representatives of political groups, etc. to discuss the way out of the present political crisis and at the same time forbids demonstrations, marches and any public forms of protest. At the same time, the major worker's union, the UNTG, suggested its members stay in their homes until such a time as the military returns to its barracks, releases from custody the interim President, Prime Minister and winner of the first round in Presidential elections as well as other political leaders, and restores constitutional government. On this day the Foreign Affairs Council of the EU made the following announcement:
COUNCIL OF THE EUROPEAN UNION
Council conclusions on Guinea-Bissau
3159th FOREIGN AFFAIRS Council meeting Luxembourg, 23 April 2012
The Council adopted the following conclusions:
"1.	The European Union strongly condemns the coup d'état in Guinea-Bissau. It demands the immediate reestablishment of the legitimate government, the completion of the interrupted democratic electoral process and the immediate restoration of constitutional order.
2.	Self-appointed transitional institutions will not be recognised, nor any kind of arrangement which would allow the armed forces to continue to threaten or control the civil powers. The EU rejects the establishment of a so-called "Transitional National Council".
3.	The freedom and security of all citizens must be ensured and perpetrators of human rights violations be held accountable. The EU calls for the immediate and unconditional release of those held in illegal detention and an end to violence and intimidation against political leaders and civil society representatives.
4.	The EU acknowledges the decision of the African Union to suspend Guinea-Bissau, and firmly supports the efforts of the UN, ECOWAS and CPLP to restore stability, democracy and respect for human rights there.
5.	The EU is ready to impose restrictive measures against individuals who continue to engage in or provide support for acts that threaten the peace, security and stability of Guinea-Bissau."
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