The Municipal Assembly of Lisbon on Tuesday approved the termination of the Protocol of Friendship and Cooperation between the capital of Portugal and the Russian city of Moscow until the withdrawal of the Russian Federation army from the territory of Ukraine.
The proposal was approved by votes against PEV and PCP, as well as abstentions by two independent deputies from the Citizens for Lisbon party (elected by the PS/Livre coalition), Miguel Graça and Daniela Serraglia, four deputies from the PS, namely Hugo Gaspar, Irene Lopez, Rute Lima and Alexandra Mota Torres, and the Municipal Group of Chega.
The municipal groups BE, Livre, PS, PSD, PAN, IL, MPT, Aliança and CDS-PP voted in favor of the proposal.
We are talking about a proposal signed by Mayor Carlos Moedas (NSD) to terminate the Protocol of Friendship and Cooperation between Lisbon and the city of Moscow until the withdrawal of the Russian Federation army from the territory of Ukraine, which is recognized by the Federation. Russian independence from the territory of Ukraine and the trial of the Russian Federation and its agents for committing war crimes in the International Court of Justice.
This proposal was approved by the municipal executive on July 26, 2023, with the PKP voting against and councilor Floresbela Pinto abstaining from Cidadãos Por Lisboa.
Before ending the protocol, the Lisbon city council decided in April 2022 to suspend the partnership with Moscow, with the mayor saying it was “completely symbolic” due to the war in Ukraine.
Today, at the municipal meeting, the PKP again voted against it, with communist deputy Pedro Frías saying that the termination of the protocol “is primarily political and symbolic”, since for the “more than two decades” during which it was in force: “Between very little cooperation and friendship has been achieved between the two cities.”
According to the PKP, the termination of the protocol “not only has not contributed to efforts to promote dialogue for peace, but also, due to the absence of this dialogue, it increases ignorance, disinformation and misunderstanding.”
Representing the chamber, Councilor Filip Roseta (SDP) suggested that “this is a political and symbolic act” because in moments of history it is necessary to “know exactly which side you are on.”
“We know exactly which side we are on. We know that countries cannot invade each other. […]. We know what it means for an opponent of the regime to die in prison,” said the Social Democrat.
Highlighting this year’s celebration of the 50th anniversary of April 25, 1974, Philippa Roseta defended freedom: “We are doing this to fulfill April. This is not against the residents of Moscow, it is in their favor, because it is precisely political and symbolic.”
While maintaining the position of condemning Russia’s military attack on Ukraine, Cega MP Bruno Mascarenh justified his abstention from terminating the protocol by saying that he believed that “it is untimely and hasty because it goes beyond what was required,” considering that “suspension” of the protocol is appropriate measure to be observed.”
We are talking about Russia’s military offensive on the territory of Ukraine, which began on February 24, 2022.
Author: Lusa
Source: CM Jornal
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