The President of Sao Tome said this Monday that neither Portugal is a factor blocking the military cooperation agreement between Sao Tome and Moscow and that there is no reason for tension, after discussing the issue with his Portuguese counterpart.
“There is a lot of noise around this issue, but Portugal is in no way a factor preventing the signing of this agreement, which concerns Sao Tome and Principe,” Carlos Vila Nova said on Sunday, answering a question from journalists. after attending Mass at the Fatima parish in Sao Tome.
Carlos Vila Nova said he spoke with Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Friday evening and did not feel there was an atmosphere of tension following the statements by the leaders of both countries.
On Friday, Sao Tome Prime Minister Patrice Trovoada said his leader did not need Portugal to engage with Europe and warned that Portuguese authorities would only learn about the military agreement with Russia if it was published.
Patrice Trovoada responded to statements by Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, who said on Thursday that he was not aware of the military cooperation agreement signed between Sao Tome and Principe and the Russian Federation, but that he would like to know the document.
He also responded to statements by Portuguese Foreign Minister (MNE) Paulo Rangel, who said on Thursday that Portugal and “other European states have expressed strangeness, apprehension and bewilderment about this agreement.”
“I think that in the coming days, as the situation develops, everything will become clearer; there are no attempts on the part of any partner to block anything. Perhaps there is a need for justice, to comply with these steps, to take into account the necessary procedures,” said Carlos Vila Nova.
The head of state of Sao Tome called for “calm on all sides” so that their contribution can be made for the benefit of Sao Tome and Principe, “as the country is going through very difficult socio-economic times.”
Carlos Vila Nova said that the authorities of Sao Tome and Principe need to avoid “clashes” of opinions, actions and positions between Russian partners and other NATO partners who support Sao Tome and Principe in monitoring the Gulf of Guinea.
The head of state of Sao Tome said that he is aware of the signing of the agreement, but has not yet spoken with the prime minister about this.
“I was aware of the signing of the agreement, but have not yet spoken with the Prime Minister, especially since I hope that the steps I spoke about, especially [o envio do acordo] to the National Assembly must be carried out as quickly as possible, even in order to avoid a lack of clarification and so that everything goes more smoothly,” said Carlos Vila Nova.
According to the official Russian news agency Sputnik, the military agreement “for an indefinite period” was signed in St. Petersburg on April 24 and began to be implemented on May 5, providing for training, the use of weapons and military equipment, and aircraft visits. Russian warships and vessels on the archipelago.
On Friday, Sao Tome’s prime minister said that on Sao Tome’s side “everything is clear and calm” and that the agreement with Russia is “entering into force” and will be implemented after internal procedures are followed.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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