The President of the Government conveyed his availability and interested to work on the future use of Lajes Air Base, but warned that the environmental issue still needs to be solved.
 
"The issue of Lajes Air Base is yet to be solved. No matter how much we talk about future uses, we must be aware that there are current issues that are yet to be solved and need to be solved, namely the environmental issue," said Vasco Cordeiro.
 
Asked by journalists about possible new uses for Lajes Air Base, the President of the Government stressed that he regards these possibilities with an "open mind." However, we must all be aware that there are still issues that need a practical solution, such as the environmental liabilities resulting from the U.S. military presence at Lajes.
 
"The environmental issue is currently one, if not the main, issue that concerns us and that should be under discussion" in this process, ensured Vasco Cordeiro.
 
"For future reference, we have no reason to believe that these possible uses and these contacts will be established without the involvement of the Azorean Government. This is what has been done. This is why we acknowledge this procedure as adequate," said the President of the Government.