Guinea-Bissau: Parliament demands return to democracy

MEPs condemn the military coup d'état in Guinea Bissau, in a resolution adopted with an overwhelming majority on Wednesday. They demand the immediate restoration of democracy and rule of law so the country can finally decide its future at the ballot box.

Parliament "condemns in the strongest terms" the 12 April coup, which came ahead of second round presidential elections. MEPs deplore the subsequent violent suppression of peaceful demonstrations and demand guarantees of basic rights, including freedom of press, expression and movement. Those responsible for violent and illegal actions should be brought to justice.

The resolution, which was adopted by a show of hands, says civil and political rights should be restored to the interim President Raimundo Pereira and Prime Minister Carlos Gomes Júnior, who were expelled from the country by the military.

MEPs reject the self-appointed "transitional government" and support the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) decision to impose sanctions, after talks failed to agree a return to civilian rule.

Parliament regrets that an EU security sector reform (SSR) mission in Guinea-Bissau ended in 2010. MEPs say Council should consider deploying a new mission to support reforms, once legitimate authorities are back in place.

Procedure: Motion for resolution