Ahead of a regional meeting on Paraguay, United Nations Secretary General Ban Ki-moon has called on all concerned to “work in the days ahead to ensure the peaceful resolution of differences” which led to the removal of the Paraguayan president.
“The Secretary-General has been following closely and with concern recent events in Paraguay that culminated in the removal from office of President Fernando Lugo,” Mr. Ban’s spokesperson said in a note to journalists on Wednesday.
“He notes the concern expressed by regional leaders regarding the impeachment process and its implications for democracy in the country.”
The spokesperson added that the UN chief recognizes the region’s efforts to address the situation.
“He welcomes the upcoming fact-finding mission to be led by OAS [Organization of American States] Secretary General José Miguel Insulza, as well as the extra-ordinary meeting of the Heads of State of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) planned for Friday,” the spokesperson said.
Mr. Lugo was impeached last Friday over his handling of deadly land clashes. His removal led to condemnation from regional neighbours.
Since then, Lugo has reportedly denounced his removal as a “parliamentary coup” and said he would join those urging a “peaceful strike” in response.
Top Comments
Disclaimer & comment rulesAnother profound statement from Ban Ki-Moon, I reckon a trained chimp could do his job.
Jun 29th, 2012 - 07:27 am 0Argentina will soon announce that this means the UN has declared the impeachment illegal and that Lugo should be returned to power.
Jun 29th, 2012 - 08:23 am 0There doesn't seem to be many details on the web as to why this impeachment has happened and whether it is legal or not.
@2 Apparently the matter was kicked off by the deaths in the confrontation between the police and landless farmers. I'm not quite sure what landless farmers are. Does that mean they are farm workers? Or farmers who have somehow been deprived of their land? I don't know how you can farm without land, unless you count hydroponics? Other items quoted were: insecurity, nepotism, and a controversial land purchase.
Jun 29th, 2012 - 09:20 am 0Commenting for this story is now closed.
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