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Message of condolences addressed by the President of the Republic to the President of the European Commission, José Manuel Barroso, on the occasion of the passing away of Gaston Thorn.

Mister President

It was with great regret that I received the news of the passing away of Gaston Thorn.

In this moment of sadness, I wish to address Your Excellency, on behalf of the people of Portugal and in my own personal name, our very deepest condolences.

Presiding to the destinies of the European Commission from 1981 to 1985, a time when Europe was in the midst of grave political, social and economic issues, where many raised queries regarding the European project, Gaston Thorn was able, with his vision and his labours, to decisively strengthen the roots which are today the base of the European Union.

At this time, I must also pay tribute to Gaston Thorn’s determining role in all the process that led to the adhesion of Portugal to the then European Economic Community.

Aníbal Cavaco Silva

27.08.2007

© 2006-2016 Presidency of the Portuguese Republic

You have gained access to the records of the Official Site of the Presidency of the Republic from 9 March 2006 to 9 March 2016.

The contents available here were entered in the site during the 10 year period covering the two mandates of President of the Republic Aníbal Cavaco Silva.