The President of the Regional Government received the Commission representing Portuguese Workers at Lajes Air Base at an audience held today. The government official ensured that he is still working on the process concerning the U.S. intention of restructuring its military force in that military base.

"At this time, we cannot forget that the United States have announced their decision to reduce their forces at Lajes Air Bases," reminded Vasco Cordeiro at the end of the audience that took place on the island of Terceira.

While awaiting for the results of the study conducted by the U.S. Department of Defence on U.S. military presence in European bases, which will include a specific reference to Lajes Air Base, the Regional Government has established contacts in order to safeguards the interests of Terceira and the Azores in this matter," said Vasco Cordeiro.

The reference to Lajes Air Base in this study, which should be known in the first half of this year, is the result of a decision taken by the U.S. Congress following the efforts carried out by several entities within the House of Representatives and the Senate in order to ensure this reassessment.

Speaking to journalists, Vasco Cordeiro stressed that, in addition to the efforts undertaken by the Azorean Government, the National Government has paid "special attention", which we expected to be maintained at a diplomatic level in further developments.