The President of the Regional Government defended today the need to pass on a message of unity and strength regarding Lajes Air Base process, similarly to what was done with the labour component, which yield "good results" for the Region's interest.
 
Vasco Cordeiro spoke to journalists after accompanying the President of the Republic during a visit to Lajes Base, as part of Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa's visit to the Autonomous Region of the Azores that is taking place until June 6.
 
"I hope it may be possible, as it was in the labour component, which has brought good results, to congregate all efforts on the environmental issue," said the President of the Government. On several occasions, he has had the opportunity to address this matter with the President of the Government since the USA announced the decision to reduce its military and civilian forces at Lajes Air Base.
 
On the second day of President's visit to the Azores, Vasco Cordeiro expressed his belief that it will be possible to pass on a "message of unity and force to safeguard the interests of the Azores and the Azoreans."
 
"It is bad to create distracting factors in this matter. The reasons for my dissatisfaction have to do with how the United States of America is addressing this issue. I think we should be able to pass on a message of unity regarding to the defence of the Azores and, also, of Portugal," said the government official.
 
After the visit to Lajes Base, Vasco Cordeiro accompanied Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa at a luncheon that was also attended by about 3,000 elderly people from Terceira Island.