The President of the Government said today at the Legislative Assembly in Horta that the Regional Government will work with the next National Government to enter into office, "always placing the interests of the Azores above all."

"The Government of the Azores does not comment on which political side it wants a National Government, but it should be absolutely clear that the Azorean Government will work with any Government that will be in office," ensured Vasco Cordeiro.

Questioned as President of the Regional Government, Vasco Cordeiro made it clear to members of the Regional Parliament that the Government he leads "will place the interests of the Azores above all" in the context to relations with the future National Government.

In his speech delivered at the Parliament, the President of the Government pointed out examples of matters where a possible caretaker government can bring additional difficulties to the interests of the Region, such as the case of Lajes Air Base process, reminding the scheduled meeting of the Permanent Bilateral Commission later this year.

"If it is true that we have overcome a phase where it was possible to agree on a position with regard to the reduction of workers, this does not end the challenges the Region faces in this area", emphasised the President of the Government. Vasco Cordeiro pointed out the case of farmers who need support in order to face the disturbances in the price of milk, which requires a firm and determined position in Brussels.

Another matter of a more practical nature concerns the need to launch a public tender for air cargo transport under the new model of accessibility to the Region, said Vasco Cordeiro.