Brazil’s government is studying the possibility of increasing its aid to the Asian and African countries affected by the tsunami and even send an aircraf carrier. The matter was discussed this morning by Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva
Lula gathered with some of his aides at a political coordination meeting, which was attended by he Minister of Defense, José Alencar, and the head of the Cabinet of Institutional Security (GSI), Jorge Armando Félix, among others.
At a special meeting, President Lula, Vice-president José Alencar, Jorge Armando Félix, and the commanders of the Armed Forces discussed the possibility of sending an aircraft carrier with 1,200 Navy personnel, troops from the Army Engineers’ Batallion, and Armed Forces helicopters to the affected areas.
Tonight, the third shipment of Brazilian donations to Southeast Asia will depart for Indonesia. This shipment will contain nine tons of water and seven tons of medications.
The mission will also transport specialists from the Armed Forces and the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Foreign Relations.
They will evaluate the most urgent requirements of the countries struck by the tidal waves and furnish guidance for Brazil’s effort from now on.
December 11, General Jorge Armando Félix will represent Brazil at the meeting of donor countries organized by the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland.
The meeting will make decisions regarding further donations as well as the possibility of pardoning the debts of the countries affected by the tsunamis.
Translation: David Silberstein
Agência Brasil