During an official visit in Berlin, President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa was questioned on whether conditions were right for Portugal to recognize the State of Palestine at the United Nations General Assembly, taking place later this month in New York.
In response, Rebelo de Sousa noted that government meetings are ongoing regarding the matter, driven by the Minister of State and Foreign Affairs, Paulo Rangel.
“But it is premature to speak concretely, because, as you’re aware, it’s a process involving many countries, aiming for a common position,” he stated.
He emphasized the importance of the “final drafts and versions” that countries prepare, stating, “They are crucial, given the diverse paths, experiences, and positions that need to be aligned.”
When asked if the Portuguese government had already suggested readiness to recognize Palestine, Rebelo de Sousa confirmed, “That is known.”
“Now, the task is to determine the exact timing and final wording of the adopted position,” he added.
Rebelo de Sousa was further questioned about Portugal’s willingness to join a peacekeeping force in Ukraine, as advocated by French President Emmanuel Macron.
The President deemed it “legitimate for Ukrainian authorities to desire a future security system,” but highlighted the challenge of forming such a system, noting, “It is easy to describe it similarly to NATO’s Article 5, which is, however, part of a treaty with several members.”
“Important factors need defining, such as who participates in this system, how it is constructed, and how it acts or can act, in what circumstances, and in what proximity to Ukrainian affairs,” he argued.
He acknowledged that “many projects and ideas” involving numerous countries and continents exist, stressing the necessity for a “functional” system.
“It must be effective because people only feel secure if the security is tangible. A beautifully drafted plan that doesn’t ensure security is just that, beautifully drafted,” he stated.
Asked whether Portugal’s involvement in the peacekeeping force is unclear should it be established, Rebelo de Sousa clarified, “No, it is clear that Portugal supports all such projects.”
“And is engaged in them through the government, led by the Prime Minister and the Minister of State, Foreign Affairs, and National Defense,” he mentioned, cautioning that “ideas are one thing; feasible ideas are another.”
“And, above all, it must be considered sufficiently secure by the beneficiary,” he added.
Rebelo de Sousa refrained from commenting on the conviction of former Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, or on U.S. President Donald Trump. Regarding October 5, he noted that Republic Day celebrations would remain limited to “the flag-raising and the national anthem.”
When questioned about Brazil’s Supreme Court sentencing Bolsonaro to 27 years and three months in prison, Rebelo de Sousa expressed his disinclination to comment, believing a nation’s President “should not interfere in the internal affairs of another state.”
“Even more so in this case, specifically concerning judicial decisions, being tribunal-based. Thus, we observe from outside and do not participate in any internal matters of Brazil,” he affirmed.
[News updated at 16:53]
