Portugal PM cautions judiciary not to get political over US use of air base

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Portuguese Prime Minister Luís Montenegro says US use of Lajes Air Base during the Iran conflict was legal and urges prosecutors to avoid politicising their inquiry. The investigation followed a complaint from a left-wing opposition party and comes as some European countries restrict US military access related to the war.

LISBON, Oct 9 (Reuters) - Portuguese Prime Minister Luis Montenegro argued on Friday the US use of the Lajes Air Base during the Iran conflict was fully legal and urged the judiciary not to make politicaljudgments, after prosecutors opened an inquiry last week into the government's authorisation to use the base. The probe, triggered by a complaint from a leftist opposition party, adds a legal dimension to a politically sensitive issue. Several European nations have restricted or refused US military aircraft access to their airspace or bases in connection with the war in Iran.