The Community of Portuguese Language Countries (CPLP) elected Timor-Leste on Tuesday (December 16.12) to temporarily assume the presidency of the organization and suspended Guinea-Bissau from its activities, announced the Minister of Foreign Affairs of Cape Verde.

"In terms of concrete decisions, the summit decided, firstly, to suspend the participation of the Republic of Guinea-Bissau in all CPLP activities until the restoration of constitutional order.".

José Luís Livramento declared this after the extraordinary summit of Heads of State and Government of the CPLP, in which Cape Verde was represented by the President of the Republic, José Maria Neves.

At the meeting, convened to analyze the situation in Guinea-Bissau and held virtually, the Heads of State and Government of the CPLP also elected the Democratic Republic of Timor-Leste to hold the presidency of the CPLP.pro tempore".

José Luís Livramento explained that the choice was consensual and unanimous, since Brazil and Equatorial Guinea, which are vying for the next presidency, could not assume the position on an interim basis, while Angola and Cape Verde were also unavailable for the transitional period.

"Two countries were vying for the presidency, Brazil and Equatorial Guinea, which therefore could not be designated as interim presidents."

"Timor-Leste had already presided over the organization, Angola holds the executive secretary position, and Cape Verde, due to its historical ties and the sensitivity of the issue, could not do otherwise.".

The official explained, adding that the final declaration of the summit “strongly condemns the interruption of the electoral process."following the coup d'état of November 26th."

The urgent restoration of constitutional order was also requested, along with the immediate and unconditional release of all detainees, and proof of life for these individuals. It was also decided to send a high-level mission to Guinea-Bissau, led by the President of Timor-Leste, to assess the country's future conditions.

At the summit, solidarity was expressed with the Guinean people and the CPLP's willingness to make every effort to promote the restoration of institutional normality.