The President of the Government assured in Angra do Heroísmo that the Azorean Government is "on the side" of all those who consider that the U.S. decision to reduce to its military presence at Lajes Air Base is inconsistent with the dignity and prestige of the relations between Portugal and the United States.

"The Government of the Azores on the side of all those who consider that this decision is inconsistent with the dignity and prestige of the relations between Portugal and the United States," said Vasco Cordeiro after receiving the Commission representing Portuguese Workers at Lajes Air Base.

Speaking to journalists, Vasco Cordeiro added that he has been in contact with the Minister of Foreign Affairs, revealing that he has already requested urgent hearings with the President of the Portuguese Government and the Prime Minister in order to make a "comprehensive approach" on this matter.

The President of the Government also emphasised that the Regional Government has already already defended on several occasions the need to implement a plan intended to mitigate the impact of the U.S. decision in Praia da Vitória and on the island of Terceira.

On Thursday, when the U.S. decision was announced, Vasco Cordeiro considered stated that "the Portuguese Government cannot delay much longer the deployment of means that can help coping with the social and economic impact of the decision taken by the USA," stressing that the Portuguese State "should remind the USA about its responsibility to mitigate the social and economic impact of this situation."

"On the part of the Azorean Government, we have done everything and we will continue to do everything to defend the island of Terceira and the interests of the Azores in this matter," assured Vasco Cordeiro.