“We have been in contact with other Member States and partners who have a direct role in monitoring this situation, namely, with Italy and Spain”, stated Luís Montenegro upon his arrival at an informal meeting of the European Council in Copenhagen, the Danish capital.
In response to the Portuguese government’s call for protection, prompted by citizens on the humanitarian flotilla heading to the Gaza Strip, the Prime Minister acknowledged, “At this moment, there is indeed a degree of danger.”
However, Luís Montenegro remarked that the government had done “what was appropriate given the circumstances,” particularly “urging people not to take unnecessary risks” as the flotilla nears Gaza, with the potential for interception by Israeli forces and the detention of the activists onboard.
“We cannot do more than this under these circumstances,” he asserted.
When asked if there had been contact with the Israeli government concerning the safety of Portuguese nationals on this humanitarian initiative, including the BE coordinator and sole party deputy Mariana Mortágua, the Prime Minister replied there was “a concern to ensure that no accident occurs and that the safety of these individuals is not compromised.”
“But that also depends on the individuals themselves,” he commented.
Regarding Mariana Mortágua’s refusal to heed the call to leave the flotilla before potential interception by Israel, Luís Montenegro stated that he must respect the deputy’s decision.
Luís Montenegro did not answer whether there had been contact with Benjamin Netanyahu’s government when questioned repeatedly by journalists: “What I wish for are balanced positions from everyone.”
