The President of the Republic addressed a message of condolences to the Family of the academician and politician Professor José Medeiros Ferreira.

Following is the text of the message from President Cavaco Silva:

“Upon receiving the news of the passing away of Professor José Medeiros Ferreira, I address the bereaved Family my deepest condolences.

A freedom fighter and political exile, José Medeiros Ferreira was a Member of the Constitutional Parliament and Minister for Foreign Affairs of the I Constitutional Government. A firm believer in European unity, he performed a decisive role in the initial steps of Portugal’s accession to the Communities. As an academician and essayist, he bequeathed us relevant impressions on European History, its present stance and its future paths.

Throughout his life, he played an outstanding role in civic intervention and had a far fetching impact in terms of thought and of action. The Portuguese saw in José Medeiros Ferreira one of the most notable thinkers in the Country, who was always recognized by his love for freedom and by his independent spirit.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”