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The President of the Republic addressed a message of condolences to the Family of poet Herberto Helder.

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

“I was deeply distressed when I was advised of the passing away of poet Herberto Helder, an eminent name in Portuguese culture.

Herberto’s words were outstanding as very few in the latter decades of Portuguese literature.

Endowed with rare imagination and sensitivity, his works excel due to their originality, coherence and the ripple of genius with which he asserted himself since his first book, which was always recognized by his readers.

With the passing away of Herberto Helder, I render, on behalf of the Portuguese and in my own personal name, our very deepest condolences to his Family and friends.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva”