Lajes inquiry brings Portuguese government's role into focus
An inquiry into US use of Lajes puts the Portuguese government's role in focus. Bolieiro says the Azorean government has not been contacted in the case.
The Public Prosecutor's Office is investigating the United States' use of Lajes Air Base, according to Antena 1. The inquiry seeks to establish whether that use is lawful and has prompted José Manuel Bolieiro to address the Azorean government's role.
Speaking to journalists during the Atlantic Tourism Days in São Jorge, the president of the Regional Government said his administration had received no contact concerning the investigation. RTP Açores reported his remarks on 4 October.
Bolieiro assigned full responsibility for the matter to Portugal's national government. In his view, there was no reason to involve the Regional Government in the proceedings, even though the military installation is situated in the archipelago.
The reports highlight two aspects of the case: prosecutors' examination of legality and the regional position on which government bears responsibility for the use of Lajes. The available information announces an investigation but provides no findings on whether the American use of the base was lawful.
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