President of Portuguese Republic Jorge Sampaio
Prime Minister Antonio Guterres
Minister of Culture José Sasportes
President of Parliament Almeida Santos
Copenhagen, 5th of May 2001
Dear Sir
We are writing on behalf of ECA, representing artists’ councils and organisations from 25 European countries, to urge you to consider the value and importance to Portuguese culture of keeping a permanent company of actors in your National Theatre and to undertake all possible efforts to avoid breaking up the long-established company at the Teatro Nacional D. Maria II.
In addition we regard it as essential that the Ministry of Culture accepts to negotiate with the performers’ representative union to ensure artists basic labour rights are fully respected and that an equitable solution can be found through dialogue in the interest of all parties.
We look forward to hearing from you on this matter.
Yours sincerely
Jorge Bosso, Spain, President
Tomo Vran, Slovenia, Vice President
Ludwig Laher, Austria, Vice President