Eco campaigners ASMAA outline the latest oil exploration contracts and ask - have we been sold a pup?
Have the Portuguese and foreign investors been sold a rotten tomato with the oil contracts?
Dear friends of the Algarve,
After reading the contracts for the Algarve Basin offshore oil and gas exploration signed between the Portuguese government and the REPSOL/PARTEX consortium, we are of the opinion that the Portuguese government representatives failed dismally to act responsibly and to protect the interests which they were elected to protect – those of the Portuguese populations, current and future, as well as those of foreign investors that have invested in property and businesses in the Algarve.
As a result, we truly believe that the contracts should be challenged in a court of law on the basis that the government representatives failed to act in the best interests of the country, its people and its investors.
You can read our interpretation here and access a copy of the contracts in the attachment section (Contracts are in Portuguese only):
It has now been confirmed by ENMC, that in 2015/2016 starting in October, there will be 1 well drilled in the Algarve Basin (PARTEX/REPSOL) and 1 in the Alentejo Basin (GALP/ENI). Meaning that we have to act fast.
Is this what you want? An OILGarve?
ASMAA wants to get written legal opinions from attorneys familiar with contract law – as it applies in Portugal as well as within the European Union.
The grounds to get these written legal opinions is to look at the merits and assess if we have grounds to request a full investigation by the appropriate government bodies in Portugal and in the European Commission.
But to do that we will have to raise at least €2000 by Friday the 21 August 2015 to cover initial legal advisory fees.
This is urgent as we don’t have much time to act. By October 2015, the first exploration wells will be drilled. So we have to act fast.
We are in talks with attorneys in Brussels and Luxemburg which would need to be paid as we have not yet been able to identify lawyers that are prepared to take the case on a Pro-bono basis at an EC level. In Portugal, we are trying to get Pro-Bono legal advice and we are in preliminary discussions.
We are asking you to donate – so that we have the funds to proceed. In the process your donation assists us in our attempt to protect your interests, either as an employee, business person or investor in property or business in the Algarve.
Why should you support this action with a Donation?
High risk of devaluation of property. Meaning the value of your home, or investment rental property, or business property losing its present value. You could find yourself with property value losses.
If you are a business person who has a business, you could find that you will have less customers, due to tourists going somewhere else, as tourists in general do not want to visit areas with oil or gas fields.
If you are an employee, you may find yourself unemployed because there will be no jobs.
You Can Help US Keep on Fighting this FIGHT!
Donate 25 €, 50 €, 100 € or whatever amount you see as appropriate.
Via PAYPAL As a friend’s gift or OR DONATE VIA DIRECT BANK TRANSFER.
ELETRONIC BANK TRANSFER: ASMAA Algarve Surf and Marine Activities Association
NIB: 0038 0000 40309681771 32 (If you are in Portugal)
IBAN: PT50 0038 0000 40309681771 32 (For International payments)
BIC: BNIFPTPL
REF: DIGA NÃO AO PETRÓLEO
Or directly online in our site CLICK HERE.
Remember the time is limited. By October 2015, drilling of the first exploration wells will start.
Many thanks,
The ASMAA Team
