"Being aware of the seriousness of the situation and assuming my responsibilities, I decided to send a letter today to His Excellency, the Prime Minister and head of the Government, making my place available", declared Alberto Pereira, in a press release.
"In this sense, I hope to safeguard my image, the Government's image and above all the image of our country. It will be up to His Excellency the Prime Minister and Head of Government to make the final decision", added the head of São Tomé diplomacy.
Alberto Pereira considered on Tuesday that countries like Portugal and Angola have not provided enough help to teach Portuguese in Equatorial Guinea, the most recent country in the Portuguese-speaking community, and, on the contrary, "only criticize".
The São Tomé Minister of Foreign Affairs was speaking at the reception of around 30 staff from Equatorial Guinea who are going to learn Portuguese and undertake internships in various areas in São Tomé and help organize the XIV Summit of Heads of State and Government of the Commonwealth of Portuguese Speaking States, which will take place in the capital of São Tomé, on the 27th of August.
The Movement for the Liberation of São Tomé and Príncipe/Partido Social Democrata (MLSTP/PSD), leader of the São Tomé opposition, on Thursday asked for the immediate dismissal of the Minister of Foreign Affairs "for such a vulgar and rude way" as he referred to Portugal and Angola.
Alberto Pereira, considered that "there was use of the content part" of his statements, "having been [re]produced in a way out of context for his purposes".
In a press release, the head of São Tomé diplomacy regretted "deeply the attempt to take advantage of duly identified sectors" and refuted "the acts and practices that do nothing to promote the good image of São Tomé and Príncipe and good bilateral relations and multilateral" with Angola and Portugal.
The outgoing Foreign Minister recognized "the great support, contribution and willingness shown by all member states of the organization [CPLP], in achieving the noble objectives of the community", specifically Angola and Portugal, "in the entire organizational process and in preparations for holding the XIV Conference of CPLP Heads of State and Government".
This is the first resignation in the Government led by the Prime Minister of São Tomé, Patrice Trovoada, in office since November last year.
The resignation of the head of São Tomé diplomacy takes place one month before the 14th summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Portuguese Speaking Countries (CPLP) takes place, when São Tomé and Príncipe will assume the presidency of the organization on 27 August in the Sao Tome capital.
