The President of the Government stated that the environmental issue, resulting the presence of US military at Lajes Base, needs to be solved. This process has gained new momentum with the entry into office of the new United States Ambassador to Portugal.
 
"It is fundamental, first and foremost, to solve the environmental situation on Terceira Island that results from the US presence at Lajes Air Base," said Vasco Cordeiro, who received, in audience, Ambassador George Glass.
 
After the meeting, held at Santana Palace in Ponta Delgada, the President of the Government considered that this process has gained a new momentum and more proactive approach with the entry into office of the US Ambassador to Portugal and of the new Commander of the 65th Air Base Group, Colonel Peter Feng.
 
In statements to journalists, Vasco Cordeiro considered that the Regional Government's main concern is focused on public health issues, which is why it has turned to technical monitoring, through the National Civil Engineering Laboratory (LNEC).
 
"We realise that there is work being done by the United States. We, of course, consider this fact as positive, but it should not prevent us from achieving the ultimate goal of solving the situation," said Vasco Cordeiro. In this regard, he added that, so far, the LNEC technical reports indicate that situation mainly concerns environmental issues.
 
"All the data we have so far show that the situation is at this level. There no public health risks, but that does not mean that the issue does not need to be solved," said the President of the Government.
 
Vasco Cordeiro also reiterated that the Azorean Government hopes that there may be concrete results and evidence on the work being done by the United States until the next meeting of the Permanent Bilateral Commission or until the end of the first semester.
 
Regarding the creation of new services in Praia da Vitória ocean port, the President of the Government stated that the Regional Government, while being involved in the works and projects, has always considered that this is the most suited place given its characteristics for the installation of LNG (liquefied natural gas) infrastructures.
 
"The fact that the United States considers this to be a relevant issue and that it offers opportunities is quite positive, as it reinforces the importance we attach to this issue and brings together another partner to this process. This is an opportunity for economic development and reinforces the strategic component of the Azores," said Vasco Cordeiro.