The President of the Government restated today that the U.S. decision to reduce the military forces at Lajes Air Base "is a bad decision in its own right and a hostile decision in the way was taken and announced." Vasco Cordeiro defended that Portugal needs to adopt "a firm response" towards the U.S. administration.

"The U.S. decision requires a firm and determined response from the Portuguese Government," said Vasco Cordeiro. The President of the Government spoke to journalists at the end of an audience with the President of the Republic, Cavaco Silva, held at Belém Palace.

At the meeting, Vasco Cordeiro analysed with the Vasco Cordeiro the U.S. decision on Lajes Air Base and its impact on the island of Terceira and the Azores. It may represent the elimination of 1,900 jobs, including 500 direct and 1,400 indirect jobs, the increase of the unemployment rate as well as a drop in the island's gross domestic product and event of the Azores.

According to Vasco Cordeiro, "this issue has a direct and immediate impact on the Autonomous Region of the Azores. It is also a decision that affects the country as a whole, the diplomatic relation between both countries and the way how this relation should be maintained, especially on the part from those who claim to be allies."

For this reason, the President of the Government defended the importance of a response that shows the Americans "what our country feels about this matter."

"The revision of the technical agreement under the defence and cooperation agreement between the USA and Portugal means limiting the response to the issue of Lajes Air Base. I believe that the way how Portugal was treated justifies further action," the President of the Regiona6l Government stressed, adding that the friendship between both countries is not called into question, but only the need "to clearly demonstrate that friends also feel."

"Of course, one should recognise the legitimacy of the USA to reorganise its military forces at its own discretion. However, when it involves the territory of allied countries there be should be extra care, which was not the case," said Vasco Cordeiro.

In this context, the President of the Government recalled the two years of intense political and diplomatic activities to demonstrate the U.S. government that this is a extremely sensitive issue to Portugal and the diplomatic relations both countries. Nevertheless, the U.S. administration announced "the same decision."

Vasco Cordeiro stressed that Portugal is the only country that will not undergo a reorganisation process under the analysis on U.S. bases in Europe. It is the country that will have less time to adapt itself to the new situation and the most affect by this decision. Portugal is also the country that will contribute the least to the saving goals the USA claim to achieve with these measures.