“We understand the reasons behind what led people to take this action” in the context of “political activism,” but it is “important to use common sense,” Mariana Leitão told journalists during a campaign event in Caldas da Rainha, in the region of Leiria, for the local government elections on 12 October.
“I think the government did what it had to do, which is to warn everyone” and “is monitoring the situation, warning them not to leave international waters, warning them about the circumstances and doing what it can,” said Mariana Leitão, who said she understood the reasons that led the group of activists, which includes the leader of the Portuguese Left Bloc Party (BE), Mariana Mortágua.
Mariana Leitão said she respected the activists’ choices but called for common sense so as not to create a situation “that could be very complicated from a diplomatic point of view and even for people’s own safety.”
The Portuguese Prime Minister said that the Government is in contact with Italy and Spain regarding the monitoring of the humanitarian flotilla heading for Gaza, acknowledging that there is a “risk of danger,” but that the executive did “what was appropriate” in this context.
Asked about the appeal for protection by the government made by Portuguese citizens on board the humanitarian flotilla heading for the Gaza Strip, the prime minister acknowledged that “at this moment, there is indeed a risk of danger”.
However, Luís Montenegro considered that the executive did “what was appropriate given the circumstances”, namely, “appealing for no unnecessary risks to be taken” as the flotilla approaches Gaza and there is a possibility of interception by the Israeli military and detention of the activists on board.
MP Mariana Mortágua rejected the call to abandon the flotilla before it is intercepted by Israel, but Luís Montenegro said he respects the decision of the Left Bloc leader.
Platform with Lusa
