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Em Lisboa, houve um grande protesto pela paz global. As pessoas marcharam pedindo o fim dos conflitos e o apoio à autodeterminação do povo palestino. Os organizadores querem diálogo , não guerra. Mais protestos aconteceram em outras cidades de Portugal, mostrando apoio à causa de "paz e cooperação ".
Translation
In Lisbon, there was a large protest for global peace. People marched calling for an end to conflicts and support for the Palestinian people's self-determination. The organisers seek dialogue, not war. More protests took place in other cities of Portugal, showing support for the cause of "peace and cooperation."
Exercise: Text comprehension
Question 1: What did the protesters in Lisbon march for?
They marched for global peace and for the end of conflicts.
Question 2: What do the organizers of the protest want instead of war?
They want dialogue instead of war.
Exercise: Vocabulary
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▌19/01/2025
In the heart of Lisbon, a significant protest took place, drawing attention to global peace issues and advocating for the resolution of international conflicts. Demonstrators gathered initially at the Cais do Sodré and proceeded towards Largo do Rossio, echoing calls for peace and cooperation. Prominent among their slogans was, "We want peace and cooperation, not to be cannon fodder."
The demonstration, which included the participation of numerous organisations, was primarily organised to call for the cessation of all conflicts, promoting a culture of peace and supporting the right to self-determination for the Palestinian people. The event was endorsed by the Conselho Português para a Paz e Cooperação (CPPC), whose representative, Ilda Figueiredo, emphasised the necessity of addressing global tensions through dialogue rather than militaristic approaches.
Tiago Oliveira, secretary-general of the CGTP, raised concerns about the recent calls by NATO's secretary-general for increased military spending, criticizing such measures for undermining social rights and disproportionately affecting the most vulnerable groups. Similar peace protests were echoed in other Portuguese cities like Coimbra and Funchal, showing a national scale of support for the cause.
Individuals such as Tiago Marques, who attended to express solidarity with Palestine, described the actions against Palestinians as akin to genocide. Marques referenced institutions like the United Nations and Amnesty International to support his stance, criticising the Portuguese government's position on the issue.
Thousands Gather in Lisbon for Peace Protest (Illustration)
Lurdes Aguiar, a repeat participant in such demonstrations, voiced her frustration over the ongoing violence in Gaza, where over 50,000 have reportedly lost their lives. She expressed scepticism about the prospects of a lasting ceasefire, citing various interests working against it. She sees attending these protests as a crucial, albeit small, way to raise her voice.
Protesters displayed banners with messages such as "Reduce arms, increase salaries", "Peace in the Middle East, Independent Palestine", and "Israel is responsible for a massacred people" as they made their way through Lisbon's streets. The protest is described by Figueiredo as one of the largest she has attended, amassing what she claims to be "thousands and thousands" of participants.
As the march concluded at Largo do Rossio, participants heard speeches from various movement representatives, including a statement by Paulo Raimundo from the Portuguese Communist Party. Raimundo advocated for an end to Israeli-Palestinian conflict, a comprehensive peace policy, and urged Portugal to recognise the Palestinian state.
The event concluded with an assurance from organisers to continue their efforts for peace, reiterating the urgent need for worldwide cooperation and understanding to resolve ongoing conflicts.
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