Guinea-Bissau President Reshuffles Government

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Last updated at: (Beijing Time) Wednesday, June 04, 2003

Guinea-Bissau President Reshuffles Government

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Guinea-Bissau President Kumba Yalla unveiled an enlarged government on Monday, in a move seen by many observers as an attempt to create a broader-based executive in the West African nation ahead of early elections slated for July 6.

According to a report reaching here on Tuesday, Yalla has replaced the Education Minister Filomena Lopes who is receiving medical treatment in Lisbon, with Antonio Cumba Dias, the head of the Guinean Red Cross.

Three new state secretaries have been created to bolster the Bissau government, the most surprising choice being that of prominent newspaper proprietor and journalist Joao de Barros as state secretary of tourism, said the report.

De Barros, who has been imprisoned several times for criticizing Yalla regime, is the owner of the Correio de Bissau newspaper. He said he would "fight" for the defense of a "better and more prosperous Guinea for all."

Prime Minister Mario Pires, appointed to head of caretaker government last November after Yalla dissolved parliament and called elections, told press that his executive would have "more value" with de Barros on board.

Other additions to the Bissau government announced by the president were the post of state secretary for agriculture, going to Domingos Indam, and a state secretary of international cooperation, who has yet to be announced.

Yalla added to the political uncertainty on Friday by saying itwas up to the prime minister to decide whether to stick to the July 6 election date, which had been a postponement from the original April 20.

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