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LV Night scene at airport
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GV Armed guards at airport
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GV Policemen on tarmac
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SV Newsmen
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GV Airport
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SV Armed guards on roof
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GV Former Portuguese leader Spinola looking out of aircraft
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GV Armed guards on tarmac
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1.09 GV PAN Aircraft taxiing (2 shots)
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Initials NG/2152 NG/2205



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: The former President of Portugal, Antonio Spinola, ended his search for a new home on Saturday (15 March) when Brazil's Ambassador to Argentina boarded an airliner at Buenos Aires airport to tell him his requested for political asylum had finally been granted.

Senhor Spinola, his wife and 15 Portuguese military officers were refused asylum in Rio de Janeiro the previous night and were sent on to Buenos Aires on the Spanish airliner which had brought them from Madrid.

Ambassador Joao Bautista Pinheiro brought the news that the decision had been reversed after Senhor Spinola and his party had been on broad the airliner for nine hours.

A Brazilian Foreign Ministry note later explained that Spain had not given warning that Senhor Spinola was heading for Brazil. The note said that the Government would not accept a fait accompli.

Former President Spinola is accused of complicity in last week's abortive coup against his country's left-wing military rulers.

The 32-hour odyssey of Senhor Spinola and his companions finally ended on Sunday (16 March) when they moved into a heavily guarded hotel is Sao Paulo, Brazil after leaving Argentina. Political asylum was granted under the strict condition that they refrain from political activities or statements.