Foreign Minister Paulo Rangel addressed the situation regarding the four Portuguese nationals aboard the humanitarian flotilla to Gaza. The identity of one individual was only confirmed on Thursday following their detention.
“The fourth Portuguese national is confirmed. We had contact from the family,” the minister disclosed in an interview with CNN Portugal.
When questioned if the government was only aware of this individual’s presence alongside Mariana Mortágua, Sofia Aparício, and Miguel Duarte at that time, Rangel responded, “Yes. That person never communicated.”
Contradicting circulating claims, Rangel stated, “We maintained regular contact with the three Portuguese citizens, including via email, numerous times,” addressing earlier criticisms from Fabian Figueiredo of the Left Bloc, who accused Rangel of not promptly responding to an urgent meeting request.
Rangel further elaborated on his communication with the party, revealing recent discussions with an unspecified senior Left Bloc member. “I myself conveyed all the information yesterday to another senior member of the Left Bloc. I won’t reveal who. This is a situation with certain sensitivities and even had some risks until yesterday,” he remarked.
Responding to Fabian Figueiredo’s criticisms, Rangel suggested that those who criticized the government and disputed the Foreign Minister’s account should consult with “their leaders to confirm if they were contacted.”
[News in update]
