Brussels, 16/04/2012 (Agence Europe) - The European Union has vigorously condemned the military coup in Guinea Bissau, called for the restoration of constitutional order and the immediate release of all prisoners. “The EU calls on all those involved, in particular the leadership of the armed forces to immediately restore the constitutional order and the rule of law. We also urge the immediate release of Guinea's political leaders. The international community will hold the captors responsible if the detainees' safety is put at risk”, said Commission President José Manuel Barroso on Monday 16 April, standing alongside United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon who was on a visit to Brussels. In a press release published on 14 April, EU High Representative for Foreign Affairs and Security Policy Catherine Ashton expressed the same sentiments.
She called for “the immediate re-establishment of the legitimate government and the completion of the electoral process”. Urging all parties to “ensure the security of all citizens and respect for human life”, she repeated the support of the EU for the efforts of ECOWAS (Economic Community of West African States), the African Union, the Community of Portuguese-speaking Countries (CPLP), and the Angolan military mission. “The EU has already suspended most of its aid to Guinea Bissau. The EU will not support an illegitimate government”, she stated. (AN/transl.rt)