May 12, 2006            

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
CONTACT:  Steve Adamske 202.225.7141

LAWMAKERS SIGN PROCLAMATION HONORING U.S.-AZOREAN TIES
 

Five members of Congress, including Congressman Barney Frank, today released a statement regarding the agreement on cooperation and defense between the United States and Portugal. Specifically, the statement recognizes the significant contribution of the Azores.

Below is the statement signed by Reps. Frank, McGovern, Pombo, Cardozo, and Costa.




May 12, 2006



STATEMENT TO THE STANDING BILATERAL COMMISSION
REGARDING THE AGREEMENT ON COOPERATION AND DEFENSE BETWEEN THE UNITED STATES OF AMERICA AND PORTUGAL


Recognizing the historical, economic and cultural ties that exist between the United States of America and Portugal, and the long lasting alliance between the two countries,

Recognizing the importance of constantly reinforcing and adapting this alliance in a era of great change, insecurity, multiple threats and challenges,

Recognizing the particular contribution of the Autonomous Region of the Azores to this alliance, in particular, but not only, through the facilities at Lajes Air Base, in Terceira Island,

Recognizing the significance of the 1995 U.S-Portugal Agreement on Defense and Cooperation, the spirit of friendship, constant dialogue and mutual benefit that it entails as well as its endeavor to contribute to the economic and social development of the parties, and in particular that of the Autonomous Region of the Azores,

Whereas, since the 19th century, more than 500,000 Azoreans have chosen the United States to live and prosper, contributing with their work and cultural diversity to the development and collective enrichment of the country as a whole, and in particular of the States of Massachusetts, California and Rhode Island,

Whereas the peoples of both countries constitute the living bridge that unites them and should be a central piece in the development of initiatives between them,

Recognizing that possible needed adaptations should not come in detriment of any of the parts involved in the 1995 U.S-Portugal Agreement on Defense and Cooperation and should be jointly discussed and agreed in a spirit of openness and friendship,

We, the undersigned, reiterate our support to the Agreement on Cooperation and Defense between Portugal and the United States of America in all its dimensions, and call on all represented at the Standing Bilateral Commission to continuously

strive to advance the existing alliance in ways that will bring their peoples further together and enhance their own development, with particular attention to the Autonomous Region of the Azores.

Signed,

Congressman Barney Frank
Congressman Richard W. Pombo
Congressman Dennis A. Cardoza
Congressman James P. McGovern
Congressman Jim Costa
 

 

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