The Latin America Solidarity Centre condemns the coup d'etat against President Lugo in Paraguay as an affront to democratic practice.

This illegitimate act represents a return to the practice of previous regimes which robbed the people of their land and built up enormous agricultural enterprises. These have in recent years turned increasingly towards industrialised monoculture. There are now vast tracts of land dedicated to the cultivation of GMO soya for export, creating ever-growing numbers of destitute landless farmers and ever-expanding slums in the cities.

President Lugo was elected on foot of promises for land reform and while he failed to deliver on this promises, nevertheless popular organisations took courage from the possibility of asserting their right to their land and to social justice. This coup signifies the closing down of any possible avenues for democratic participation.

LASC calls on the Irish government and the EU to refuse to have any dealings with the illegitimate regime in Paraguay.

LASC reafirms its solidarity with the people of Paraguay and particularly with the victims of the Curuguaty massacre that led to the coup and those wrongly detained in its aftermath.

LASC salutes the continuing resistance of the Paraguayan people and their organisations.