Misanet/MediaFax, 17 July - Mozambican President Joaquin Chissano condemned in his capacity as the African Union Chairperson the recent coup d'état in São Tomé and Principe, carried out in the early our hours of yesterday.

In statement published few hours after the insurgent seized power, President Chissano urged for immediate measures to guarantee restoration of order and the constitutional legality in that country.

Joaquin Chissano, declared that the rebellion act violates the constitution of that country and that it was against all efforts made by the African Union towards the restoration of peace and stability and to promote economic development in the African continent.

Mr Chissano further guaranteed that the African Union and in particular the neighbouring countries of São Tomé and Principe supported a peaceful reposition of the constitutional legality in that country.

Similar stand was taken by the Community of the Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP). José Gregori, Brazilian ambassador in Portugal who was representing the executive-secretary of CPLP, João Augusto de Medicis, declared that "CPLP refused the power seizure in Sao Tome e Principe because it was against the constitutional provisions of that country."

The representatives of eight Portuguese speaking countries were gathered in an emergency meeting yesterday, however José Gregori said that no action will be taken until further details surrounding the coup d'état have been received.

Mr Gregori further added that the diplomats from eight countries should take a decision during an Ordinary Session of the Ministers Council to be held in Coimbra, Portugal next Thursday.

By MediaFax staff writer

© Misanet/MediaFax

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