Marcelo says that cooperation is reparation “that is already being done”

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The President of the Portuguese Republic, Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa, stated this Tuesday that reparations to the former colonies, which have been discussed, are already being carried out through Portuguese cooperation, “increasing” with the former colonies.

Marcelo insists on “reparation” for the former colonies. “We can’t sweep this under the rug. We have the obligation to lead”

“The support we give, the cooperation we have, the alliances” They are a repair “that is already being done” and “will continue to be done”. “It is a process” that “is growing,” he stated upon his arrival in Cape Verde, during a visit to the Portuguese School of Praia.

Asked if he now considers it “a mistake” to have raised the issue the way he did, Marcelo refuted. “I limited myself to repeating what I said in the Assembly of the Republic,” he said, adding that he did it now because he was questioned.

“It’s an old idea of ​​mine. It is an idea that has borne fruit over these 50 years”through “intense cooperation”, he stated, aligning himself with the Government, which has already highlighted cooperation with Portuguese-speaking countries as a way forward and to continue in relations with former colonies.

Just as he denied that the way he posed the question was a mistake, he also rejected the idea that he was retracting what he said. Regarding the criticisms of which he has been the object, he considered them as something that arises from democracy.

As for the form, he gave the example of speaking “in the public square.” “[E] I think not lightly. Therefore, It is as legitimate to do it here with Portuguese journalists as it is to do it in a meeting with foreign journalists.”he declared.

“This is democracy. Remember that I spent 50 years telling everyone and everyone about the facts of Portuguese life. “How can I stop accepting all the criticism that comes from everyone,” he concluded.