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The Supreme Council for National Defence met, in an ordinary session, under the chairmanship of the President of the Republic.

At the end of the meeting, which was held in the Palace of Belém, a communiqué was read by the Secretary of the Council, General João Goulão de Melo.

Following is the text of the communiqué:

“Today’s meeting of the Supreme Council for National Defence analysed the evolution of the situation in the contingents of our Armed Forces, deployed in the Operational Theatres where they are accomplishing peace missions, as well as the programme, submitted by the Government, of the missions foreseen for next year. The programme maintains the commitments assumed with the European Union, NATO and UNO, in Bosnia, Kosovo and the Lebanon, with identical missions and similar effectives to those currently deployed. The type of operations in Afghanistan will be altered and, in August 2008, will consist of a C-130 Detachment deployed until the end of the year, together with training support for the Afghan Armed Forces with a team of 15 military staff from the three Branches.

The Council agreed with the proposal submitted by the Government.

With respect to the programme of the European Union, to reduce the military effectives in the Bosnia Herzegovina Theatre of Operations, the Government advised the Council of the deployment, from January 2008, of a 30 strong National Guard contingent, which will be included in the European Gendarmerie Force (EUROGENFOR) and under the EU Military Command, to accomplish police missions.
The Council agreed with the deployment of this Force.

In accordance with the provisions of the National Defence and Armed Forces Law, the legislation to be proposed for the programming of military infrastructures was submitted to the Council.
The Council agreed this project for the consideration and deliberation by the Government and Parliament.”