Venâncio Mondlane Accuses Foreign Minister of Deceit Over Vatican Contacts

Venâncio Mondlane's Bold Claims

Venâncio Mondlane, the officially defeated presidential candidate from Mozambique, accuses Paulo Rangel, Portugal's Foreign Minister, of lying about having discreet contacts with the Vatican regarding the situation in Mozambique. In a statement to Rádio Observador, Mondlane revealed that he spoke directly with Cardinal Matteo Zuppi, who confirmed that Rangel never contacted the Vatican.

"The Foreign Minister has lied to the Portuguese and to the world," Mondlane stated emphatically.

Pressure and Allegations

Mondlane suggested that Rangel's comments were a result of pressure and self-justification, calling them falsehoods. He expressed frustration at Rangel's upcoming visit to Mozambique, deeming it a slight against the Portuguese Parliament.

"The credibility of Paulo Rangel is increasingly in question," he added.

Parliamentary Resolution Ignored?

Mondlane pointed out that the Parliament had passed a resolution recommending that the government not recognize the election results in Mozambique, accusing Rangel of disregarding this directive.

Open to Dialogue

Despite the tensions, Mondlane stated he would be open to meeting Rangel, but he would not hold back on his criticisms. He questioned Rangel's initial reaction to the election results, suggesting it was careless and prejudiced.

Rangel's Firm Stance

In response, Rangel maintained: "I stand by everything I said. Everything, without changing a single comma." He hinted at the possibility of meeting with Mondlane but emphasized his intention to engage constructively with opposition parties in Mozambique.

Social Media Outburst

Mondlane took to social media to further criticize Rangel, describing him as a "third-rate" figure in the Portuguese state and accused him of doing nothing regarding the Mozambique crisis. He claimed Rangel's desire for public attention is leading him to mislead not only the Portuguese but also the international community.

"Know very well how to position yourself in Mozambique," Mondlane warned Rangel ahead of his arrival.