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SV EXT Communist leader Dr. Alvaro Cunhal takes place on rostrum as crowd cheers.
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GV Crowd massed in stadium chant in unison. (2 SHOTS)
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SV Dr. Cunhal speaks. (in Portuguese)
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GV PAN Massed crowd listen to speech in silence.
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Initials JS/1835



Script is copyright Reuters Limited. All rights reserved

Background: In Portugal, the Prime Minister-Designate Alfredo Nobre da Costa has begun seeking independents to join his new cabinet, which he hopes to announce within two weeks. This latest attempt to settle the country's political crisis comes after all the political parties refused to serve in the Government. However the way is still open for members of the Conservatives and the right-wing Social Democrats to take posts although the parties themselves will not be involved. The Communist leader, Dr. Alvaro Cunhal has said he has "serious reservations" about what was obviously going to be a right-wing Government. He favoured early elections as the best solution to the crisis which began when President Eanes dismissed Dr. Soares as Prime Minister.

SYNOPSIS: Dr. Cunhal explained his party's attitude to the crisis at a mass rally of his supporters in Lisbon's bull ring on Friday night (18 August). He predicted that new elections would bring a resounding defeat for right-wing forces in Portugal, and he again appealed for an understanding with the Socialists which would produce a majority of the left in parliament.

Dr. Cunhal rejected suggestions, which he said came from the right-wing press, that the Communists were involved in preparing a parliamentary coup against President Eares. He said it was out of the question that his party would approve any motion against the President. Dr. Soares has accused President Eanes of dismissing him unconstitutionally after the Conservatives left his cabinet during a row over land reform. Dr. Cunhal said only a general election under new rules would now prevent a dangerous situation if the new Government failed.