"I spoke with the minister, we assessed the situation, I already have my decision, but I am also waiting for the President [of the Republic] to return to speak with him and then announce the decision and what the way out will be", said on Friday Patrice Trovoada, at São Tomé International Airport, before traveling on a 24-hour official visit to the Democratic Republic of Congo.
"In a very clear way I want to say that the minister's words do not reflect the Government's position, the Government's feeling, the Government's appreciation, that is why the minister recognized that this outburst, which has to be framed in a context particular, caused discomfort, perhaps damage and was not in line with the Government's position", underlined the prime minister.
In this sense, Patrice Trovoada considered that Alberto Pereira "had a very responsible, dignified and courageous attitude in presenting his resignation".
Last week, the São Tomé minister of Foreign Affairs resigned after controversial statements in which he considered that Portugal and Angola had not provided enough help to teach Portuguese in Equatorial Guinea.
"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 had considered 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 minister was speaking at the reception of around 30 staff from Equatorial Guinea who are going to learn Portuguese and carry out internships in various areas in São Tomé and help organize the XIV summit of Heads of State and Government of the Community of Portuguese Speaking States, which will take place will take place in the capital of São Tomé, on the 27th of August.
In a press release, 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".
This should be the first resignation in the Government of 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), when São Tomé and Príncipe will assume the presidency of the organisation.
Angola, Brazil, Cape Verde, Guinea-Bissau, Equatorial Guinea, Mozambique, Portugal, São Tomé and Príncipe and Timor-Leste are the nine Member States of the CPLP.
