The President of the Republic this Friday expressed Portugal’s “unwavering support” for Portugal and reaffirmed his conviction that freedom and peace will triumph over “this unacceptable act” perpetrated by Russia.
“A year after the start of the war in Ukraine, we remain unwavering support for its legitimate defense, its refugees, its recovery, its European vocation,” writes Marcelo Rebelo de Souza in a note placed on the presidency of the Republic. a website on the Internet called “On the return of war to Europe”.
The head of state takes the side of Ukraine “on the path to European integration” and emphasizes the firmness of Portugal “in the unity of decisions in the European Union and NATO.”
“We believe without hesitation that Democracy, Freedom and Peace will triumph in Europe. Long live the Ukrainian people,” the Portuguese president stressed as a year has passed since Russia “illegally and illegitimately invaded Ukraine, starting a war in Europe.” , in violation of the basic principles of international law, the Charter of the United Nations and agreements signed after the collapse of the Soviet Union.”
Marcelo recalls that “Portugal from the very beginning condemned this unacceptable act, unequivocally supporting the legitimate defense of Ukraine, which helps it in the light of international law and is consistent with the European and transatlantic mutual assistance that it immediately requested.”
“The position of Portugal has not changed a millimeter during this year and will remain so until Ukraine guarantees the security conditions it considers met to initiate a political roadmap towards a lasting peace,” he emphasizes.
The President of the Republic also draws on the teachings of Aristide Sousa Mendes, the former Portuguese Consul in Bordeaux, who issued thousands of entry visas to Portugal to refugees of various nationalities fleeing Nazi occupation, to celebrate the humanism shown by the Portuguese people towards their Ukrainian couple.
“The Portuguese authorities and the Portuguese people tirelessly demonstrate the humanitarian spirit that characterizes us, welcoming all Ukrainians fleeing the war who asked us for help, in coordination with non-governmental organizations and European partners that we are proud of. big heart, humanist connected with the European values of peace and generosity, which Aristides de Souza Mendez taught us so well,” underlines Marcelo Rebelo de Souza.
The military offensive launched by Russia on February 24, 2022 in Ukraine has so far caused the flight of more than 14 million people – 6.5 million internally displaced people and more than eight million to European countries – according to the latest UN figures. which classifies this refugee crisis as the worst in Europe since World War II (1939-1945).
At the moment, at least 17.7 million Ukrainians are in need of humanitarian assistance, and 9.3 million are in need of food aid and housing.
The Russian invasion, justified by Russian President Vladimir Putin on the need to “denazify” and demilitarize Ukraine for Russia’s security, was condemned by the international community at large, which responded by sending weapons to Ukraine and imposing political and economic sanctions on Russia.
The UN has presented as confirmed 7,199 civilian deaths and 11,756 wounded since the start of the war, emphasizing that these figures are much lower than the real ones.
Author: Portuguese
Source: CM Jornal
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