EC official encourages Portugal on membership

Portuguese President Antonio Ramalho Eanes, on a four-day visit to Belgium, received strong support from Belgian Foreign Minister Leo Tindemans for Portugal's bid to join the European Community by 1984.

Mr. Tindemans, president of the EC Council of Ministers until the end of June , was quoted by a Foreign Ministry spokesman as telling Mr. Eanes Belgium would do everything in its power to speed Portuguese entry in the coming months. A one-year timetable setting up areas for negotiation has already been drawn up.

The Portuguese President raised the question of EC aid for Portugal's former African colonies, especially Angola and Mozambique, the spokesman said.