“We are in solidarity, but we are not warmongers,” said the Head of State, responding to journalists outside the Universidade Católica Portuguesa in Lisbon.
When asked if he fears an escalation of violence, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa replied that he hopes not and advocated that at this time the correct behavior is “European unity, NATO unity, and a permanent solidarity of all members with all members.”
“More than that, naturally, cannot be done, because it depends a lot on what there is from others. There is no offensive initiative from NATO or NATO members or the European Union. Therefore, we are in solidarity, but we are not warmongers,” he added.
According to the President of the Republic, “it is necessary for public opinions to have the exact notion that this is a decisive moment.”
Referring to Russia, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa argued: “If those who caused the problem in Ukraine and perhaps created the climate of tension we are experiencing understand that, on our part, there is a capacity for affirmation, unity, and solidarity, they might think twice, and it might be possible to overcome this moment, which is what we all wish for.”
“What we wish for is neither war nor tension, but we are aware that to achieve this, it is necessary to demonstrate the strength of unity and solidarity,” he emphasized.
Concerning sanctions, the Head of State noted that “sanctions are already approved or ready for approval.”
Polish authorities today reported a Russian drone incursion into their airspace and called for an urgent consultation with NATO allies, invoking Article 4 of the North Atlantic Treaty.
Article 4 provides for consultations among member states whenever a member of the North Atlantic Treaty Organization (NATO) considers its territorial integrity, political independence, or security to be threatened.
