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'Terrorists Want to Change Our Way of Life -- We Must Change Theirs'
Tuesday, June 18, 2002
By SFC Kathleen T. Rhem
U.S. Army
American Forces Press Service

Portas said his country firmly believes in NATO. Portuguese defense policy is based on loyalty to NATO, he added, as well as “a very special relationship with the United States of America.”

WASHINGTON -- AFIS
Portuguese Defense Minister Paulo Portas wanted Americans to know today his country stands firmly with them in the war against terrorism.

Portas met and ate lunch with U.S. counterpart Defense Secretary Donald Rumsfeld. The two briefly spoke to the press after their talks. The Portuguese leader stressed two topics.

Portas said Portugal is committed to the war against terrorism. "As Secretary Rumsfeld (said) once, we have two options," he said. "(The terrorists) want to change our way of life, we must change their way of life. We must fight terrorism because it is an attempt against our way of life, our culture, our civilization, our freedom, and our democracy."

Rumsfeld praised Portugal's military assistance in Afghanistan. He said Portugal is providing assistance to the International Security Assistance Force in Kabul, lending medical aid to Afghanistan, and has provided a C-130 aircraft to operations there.

"This support is both helpful and appreciated by the United States," Rumsfeld said.

Portas also said Portugal is committed to reform within NATO to better meet "new dangers (and) new risks."
(More: DoD News Source)
2002 © The United States Department of Defense.

Dan