Africa-Press – Cape verde. The President of the Republic, José Maria Neves, considers that honoring President Mascarenhas Monteiro is, first and foremost, highlighting the essentiality of the ideals of democracy, the rule of law, dialogue, peace and human dignity.
José Maria Neves was speaking at the State tribute ceremony to former President António Mascarenhas Monteiro, on the occasion of the 80th anniversary of his birth and which was marked by the attribution of his name to the library of the Presidency of the Republic, which is now called D “President António Mascarenhas Monteiro Library”.
In his address, the Cape Verdean Head of State highlighted that there is consensus on the recognition of the role of who was “the great protagonist of Cape Verde’s democratic endeavor”.
“It is, therefore, a duty of memory, over which I have the honor and privilege of presiding. It consists of recognizing the role of a great Cape Verdean, a notable figure in our recent political history, which fully justifies this State honor,” he said.
For José Maria Neves, President Mascarenhas Monteiro, who served two terms (from 1991 to 2001), was the right person in the right place, with an unavoidable role in the first steps of building democracy in Cape Verde.
“A born statesman, his assertiveness, maturity and discernment were crucial, giving him unchallenged authority as an arbiter and moderator of the political system, at a decisive moment in the life of the Republic. He never omitted or disappointed, having exercised the high position with moderation, coherence, serenity and distinction”, recalled President José Maria Neves, who, as Prime Minister, worked with the late.
As he said, Mascarenhas Monteiro was a “strong critic” of social inequalities, supportive and defender of the dispossessed, for whom he had a particular feeling of empathy, advocating public policies aimed at improving the living conditions of the most disadvantaged groups.
“In his opinion, the development process must be harmonious and sustained, capable of leading to the achievement of social justice”, he added.
José Maria Neves concluded by asking everyone to continue the legacy of President António Mascarenhas Monteiro.
The tribute session also included a conference on “the Statesman”, given by professor Doctor Maria Luísa Ferro Ribeiro, who, as a former teacher of António Mascarenhas Monteiro, gave a brief overview of the life of the late President, speaking of him not only as a statesman , but also the president of the Supreme Court of Justice.
As a Statesman, he highlighted three points that he considers fundamental, namely the role that António Monteiro had in the transition from monopartyism to the democratic system, his work with the population and the important role he played in the peaceful transition with the promulgation of the Constitution of the Republic.
Born on February 16, 1944, Mascarenhas Monteiro passed away in September 2016, at the age of 72.
For More News And Analysis About Cape verde Follow Africa-Press
