Argentina reveals the behind-the-scenes story of the Paraguayan coup.

247 - More forcefully than Brazil, Argentina has already taken action against Paraguay. President Cristina Kirchner withdrew her ambassador from Asunción, and Foreign Minister Héctor Timerman gave an enlightening interview explaining why the Paraguayan coup was, in fact, a coup. Read more:

"What happened is sad."

Page 12 – How does Argentina characterize the change of government in Paraguay?

The Argentine government characterizes this as a breakdown of democratic order.

Why, if Fernando Lugo's removal from office was based on political judgment?

In Paraguay, a mechanism provided for in the Constitution was used, but it was applied in such a way that it violated not only the spirit of that same Constitution but also the entire constitutional practice of the democratic world.

What was the violation?

To carry out a summary execution. To give hours of defense time to a democratically elected president. Less time to a driver who runs a red light. It's sad to see what happened in Paraguay. It was sad to see Lugo working at his desk, without any paperwork, at the moment when Congress was impeaching him.

Were the foreign ministers of UNASUR with him at that moment?

Yes. And this was after we had explored all alternatives. But we found no interest whatsoever from the opposition in dialoguing with us or seeking alternatives to the summary execution of a president. What we were saying was clear: we were there to respect both the sovereignty of Paraguay and the international agreements that we all signed.

The texts from Unasur and Mercosur?

Both of us. And we said this to both the opposition and Lugo. Not only Paraguay, but all of us are obligated to fulfill the agreements we signed.

At some point, did the foreign ministers of UNASUR see the possibility of an agreement?

When we arrived and spoke with Lugo, there was still hope. But then we were confronted with reality. First, we met with leaders of the Colorado Party, who told us that the Lugo government was unviable and had to leave. Then, with members of the Liberal Party, one of their leaders told us: "The best thing the foreign ministers of UNASUR can do is leave."

What was the answer?

This: “Sir, it’s 11 a.m. and the trial begins in an hour. What can we do to prevent the situation from worsening?” He replied: “The Constitution defines ways to conduct a trial, not deadlines.” And I insisted that this was a head of state who assumed office with popular representation. (...) Then we insisted with the argument that hard times were coming for Paraguay, because we would have to apply the democratic clause. But nothing moved them. It was decided there that I and Antônio Patriota, the Brazilian chancellor, would speak with Federico Franco.

He was still vice president..

Yes. I said, “There’s not much time left. Do you believe what they’re doing is fair? Do you think the world will recognize this kind of removal as a correct procedure?” I remember his answer: “In Paraguay, a vice-president has three tasks: to participate in cabinet meetings, to liaise with Congress, and to assume the presidency in case of death, illness, or removal of the president. I will uphold the Paraguayan constitution.” One of his advisors mentioned the case of former Brazilian president Fernando Collor, who took a six-month leave of absence. We asked if they would give Lugo that time. And they told us that if there wasn’t a change, the violence would begin the next day.

Apparently, Franco was very determined.

He stated: “I am a doctor and I am used to making decisions.” I replied that a doctor tries to cause the least possible harm to the patient and that he was causing the greatest harm to Paraguay and to democracy. In the end, Patriota and I said goodbye calmly, but not before telling him that he was carrying out a coup d'état.

Will Mercosur punish Paraguay?

Mercosur will implement all the treaties we have signed. Unasur will too.