Paraguay's Lugo condemns 'parliamentary coup'

The deposed Paraguay president Fernando Lugo has branded the country's new government illegitimate and called for a return to democratic rule following his sudden impeachment two days ago.

Lugo, 61, a leftist former Roman Catholic bishop, said on Sunday his removal from office was "a parliamentary coup against the will of the people" and said he would back any peaceful effort to restore democracy in the soy-exporting South American nation.

Congress voted overwhelmingly on Friday to remove Lugo from office on Friday, saying he had failed in his duty to maintain social order following a bloody land eviction.