A Brazilian government minister said French first lady Brigitte Macron was "truly ugly" Thursday, only days after the country's president appeared to endorse an attack on her appearance.

Brazil's economy minister Paulo Guedes said he agreed with President Jair Bolsonaro's comments about Macron's looks.

"The president said it, it's true," he said to applause during an economic forum. "The woman is truly ugly."

Later, an aide said in a statement that Guedes "asks for forgiveness for the joke he made today during a public event when he mentioned the French first lady."

Bolsonaro garnered criticism last week when he appeared to agree with a Facebook post that implied French President Emmanuel Macron's wife was not as attractive as his own wife Michele Bolsonaro.

He wrote "Do not humiliate the guy, haha" on a post that read "Now you understand why Macron is persecuting Bolsonaro" next to pictures of the two first ladies.&nbsp;

The French president called Bolsonaro's behaviour "extraordinarily rude" and the Brazilian president later deleted his comment.

Brazil and France have clashed in recent weeks over the handling of fires in the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest, which is crucial for a stable global climate.

A Brazilian government minister said French first lady Brigitte Macron was "truly ugly" Thursday, only days after the country's president appeared to endorse an attack on her appearance.

A Brazilian government minister said French first lady Brigitte Macron was "truly ugly" Thursday, only days after the country's president appeared to endorse an attack on her appearance. Brazil's economy minister Paulo Guedes said he agreed with President Jair Bolsonaro's comments about Macron's looks. "The president said it, it's true," he said to applause during an economic forum. "The woman is truly ugly." Later, an aide said in a statement that Guedes "asks for forgiveness for the joke he made today during a public event when he mentioned the French first lady." Bolsonaro garnered criticism last week when he appeared to agree with a Facebook post that implied French President Emmanuel Macron's wife was not as attractive as his own wife Michele Bolsonaro. He wrote "Do not humiliate the guy, haha" on a post that read "Now you understand why Macron is persecuting Bolsonaro" next to pictures of the two first ladies. The French president called Bolsonaro's behaviour "extraordinarily rude" and the Brazilian president later deleted his comment. Brazil and France have clashed in recent weeks over the handling of fires in the Amazon, the world's largest rainforest, which is crucial for a stable global climate.

French first lady is 'truly ugly,' says Brazil's economy minister Paulo Guedes

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro will skip a regional summit on fires that have devastated swaths of the Amazon because doctors want him to get ready for surgery scheduled for next week, a spokesman said Monday.

The far-right president has been widely criticized over his support for Amazon deforestation and a delayed reaction to wildfires that have hit the rain forest.

Bolsonaro has to go on a liquid diet starting Friday, the same day as the summit in Colombia, and this makes the trip unfeasible, said spokesman Otavio Rego Barros.

Brazil is considering sending a substitute or even asking that the meeting be postponed, said the spokesman.

Bolsonaro is due to undergo surgery Sunday to correct an incisional hernia, his fourth operation since he was stabbed nearly a year ago during the presidential campaign.

Doctors said Bolsonaro would need 10 days' rest following the operation, which would be performed in Sao Paulo.

Earlier Monday, the president vowed to defend his controversial Amazon policy at this month's UN General Assembly even if he had to do so "in a wheelchair."

"I will appear before the UN even in a wheelchair, on a stretcher. I will appear because I want to talk about the Amazon," Bolsonaro told reporters outside his official residence in Brasilia.

Brazil traditionally makes the first speech at the General Assembly meeting, set for September 24.

Responding to criticism of his policy, Bolsonaro has accused France and Germany of attempting to buy Brazil's sovereignty after the G7 group of rich democracies offered $20 million in Amazon fire aid.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro will skip a regional summit on fires that have devastated swaths of the Amazon because doctors want him to get ready for surgery scheduled for next week, a spokesman said Monday.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro will skip a regional summit on fires that have devastated swaths of the Amazon because doctors want him to get ready for surgery scheduled for next week, a spokesman said Monday. The far-right president has been widely criticized over his support for Amazon deforestation and a delayed reaction to wildfires that have hit the rain forest. Bolsonaro has to go on a liquid diet starting Friday, the same day as the summit in Colombia, and this makes the trip unfeasible, said spokesman Otavio Rego Barros. Brazil is considering sending a substitute or even asking that the meeting be postponed, said the spokesman. Bolsonaro is due to undergo surgery Sunday to correct an incisional hernia, his fourth operation since he was stabbed nearly a year ago during the presidential campaign. Doctors said Bolsonaro would need 10 days' rest following the operation, which would be performed in Sao Paulo. Earlier Monday, the president vowed to defend his controversial Amazon policy at this month's UN General Assembly even if he had to do so "in a wheelchair." "I will appear before the UN even in a wheelchair, on a stretcher. I will appear because I want to talk about the Amazon," Bolsonaro told reporters outside his official residence in Brasilia. Brazil traditionally makes the first speech at the General Assembly meeting, set for September 24. Responding to criticism of his policy, Bolsonaro has accused France and Germany of attempting to buy Brazil's sovereignty after the G7 group of rich democracies offered $20 million in Amazon fire aid.

Brazil president Bolsonaro to skip Amazon summit on doctor's orders

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro will skip Amazon summit on fire due to his bad health issues. Jair Bolsonaro to undergo a surgery soon. He said that he is just skipping this regional summit but will attend the UNGA even on the wheelchair. Watch this video to know more.

Brazil Prez to skip Amazon summit on fire due to health issues, Bolsonaro to undergo surgery soon

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said Friday he will stop using disposable pens made by France's Bic to sign official documents, while a diplomatic spat continues over fires in the Amazon basin.&nbsp;

"A pen (of the Brazilian brand) Compactor and no more Bic, will work," Bolsonaro said, confirming remarks he made during a live broadcast on Facebook a day earlier.

Bolsonaro said Thursday he would stop using Bic "because it is French."

When asked by AFP if Bolsonaro was serious or joking, Brazil's presidential office declined to comment.

Most of the Bic ballpoint pens sold in Brazil are made in the French company's factory in the Brazilian city of Manaus in the Amazon, a Bic spokesperson told AFP. &nbsp;

Bolsonaro has previously cited Bic pens, which are cheap and commonly used in Brazil, as a sign of austerity after the expenses of his predecessors.&nbsp;

Bic said it felt "flattered" to be recognised as a "democratic brand," but would not comment on the president's decision.

Bolsonaro has repeatedly clashed with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in recent days.&nbsp;

On the eve of the G7 summit last week, Macron declared the forest fires, which are also affecting Bolivia, an "international crisis" and put them on the agenda of the gathering of the rich democracies.

Macron also accused Bolsonaro of lying to him about Brazil's climate change stance.

Bolsonaro in turn said Macron had a "colonialist mentality" and now refuses to speak to him unless the French president retracts remarks relating to Brazil's sovereignty over the Amazon.&nbsp;

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said Friday he will stop using disposable pens made by France's Bic to sign official documents, while a diplomatic spat continues over fires in the Amazon basin.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said Friday he will stop using disposable pens made by France's Bic to sign official documents, while a diplomatic spat continues over fires in the Amazon basin. "A pen (of the Brazilian brand) Compactor and no more Bic, will work," Bolsonaro said, confirming remarks he made during a live broadcast on Facebook a day earlier. Bolsonaro said Thursday he would stop using Bic "because it is French." When asked by AFP if Bolsonaro was serious or joking, Brazil's presidential office declined to comment. Most of the Bic ballpoint pens sold in Brazil are made in the French company's factory in the Brazilian city of Manaus in the Amazon, a Bic spokesperson told AFP. Bolsonaro has previously cited Bic pens, which are cheap and commonly used in Brazil, as a sign of austerity after the expenses of his predecessors. Bic said it felt "flattered" to be recognised as a "democratic brand," but would not comment on the president's decision. Bolsonaro has repeatedly clashed with his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron in recent days. On the eve of the G7 summit last week, Macron declared the forest fires, which are also affecting Bolivia, an "international crisis" and put them on the agenda of the gathering of the rich democracies. Macron also accused Bolsonaro of lying to him about Brazil's climate change stance. Bolsonaro in turn said Macron had a "colonialist mentality" and now refuses to speak to him unless the French president retracts remarks relating to Brazil's sovereignty over the Amazon.

Brazil's Bolsonaro to stop using France's Bic pens amid spat

Brazilians saying that President Jair Bolsonaro is doing a "bad or terrible" job rose to 38% from 33% previously, as the government's handling of surging fires in the Amazon rainforest divides the country.

Brazilians saying that President Jair Bolsonaro is doing a "bad or terrible" job rose to 38% from 33% previously, as the government's handling of surging fires in the Amazon rainforest divides the country. The Datafolha polling institute found that 29% say that Bolsonaro is doing a "great or good" job, down from 33% in July, according to the poll published on Monday. Brazilians who said the Bolsonaro was doing a normal job fell to 30% from 31% previously, within the margin of error. The poll diverges from the usually equal three-way split between those approving, disapproving and rating normally the presidency of Jair Bolsonaro, with his negative numbers gaining an upper hand, said Leonardo Barreto, a partner in Brasilia-based consultancy Capital Politico. "Very likely, it's the people who were giving the president the benefit of the doubt but are losing patience for some reason," Barreto said. The three factors likely changing Brazilians' minds are the lack of a major economic recovery, Bolsonaro letting up on his aggressive rhetoric on combating corruption and concerns that his government has lost control over the Amazon, he said. Datafolha found that 51% of Brazilians thought Bolsonaro had done a bad or terrible job responding to the Amazon fires. Last month, Brazil's space research agency, INPE, revealed that the highest number of forest fires were tearing through the Amazon rainforest since 2010, sparking international outcry demanding that the country do more to protect the world's largest tropical rainforest. Bolsonaro authorized the military to fight the fires after several days of public protests and criticism from world leaders. For the first time, farmers who voted en masse for Bolsonaro in the election might be reconsidering their support because of the failure to stop criminals setting fires in the Amazon and fears that it could hurt global demand for Brazilian agricultural products, Barreto said. "This affects the heart of the Bolsonaro electoral base," he said. The far-right firebrand engaged in a public war of words with French President Emmanuel Macron, who called for more to be done to combat them as Group of Seven wealthy nations met in France. Bolsonaro ultimately said that he would only accept an offer of $20 million in aid if Macron withdrew "insults" against him. Datafolha found that 66% of Brazilians said that Brazil should accept international aide to combat Amazon deforestation. The Datafolha institute poll surveyed 2,878 people in 175 towns across Brazil on Aug. 29 and 30 and has a 2% margin of error.

Disapproval of Bolsonaro presidency jumps amid Amazon crisis: poll

Brazil's far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, who was stabbed in the abdomen at a campaign rally a year ago, will undergo surgery next week, his third surgical procedure since the attack although doctors say this one carries only a minor risk.

Brazil's far-right president Jair Bolsonaro, who was stabbed in the abdomen at a campaign rally a year ago, will undergo surgery next week, his third surgical procedure since the attack although doctors say this one carries only a minor risk. Bolsonaro, a former army captain, will spend about 10 days recuperating after the procedure, he said on Twitter. The surgery will treat a hernia that developed following his previous surgeries, said Leandro Echenique, one of the president's doctors. "It is common for an hernia to develop where you have had abdominal surgery," Echenique said. "This is a surgical correction ... the president is doing very well health-wise." Adélio Bispo de Oliveira, the man accused by prosecutors of stabbing Bolsonaro last September, was acquitted in June after a judge decided that he was mentally unfit.

Brazil President Bolsonaro to undergo surgery next week, his third after stabbing attack

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro`s furious reaction to foreign criticism of his <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-officials-bolsonaros-son-meet-with-trump-to-discuss-amazon-fires-246769">handling of Amazon fires</a> reflects the sacred place the vast region occupies in the minds of Brazil`s military, for whom the rainforest is almost a raison d`être.

While many around the world view the Amazon as a vital defence against climate change, within Brazil`s military the sparsely developed region represents a sprawling, resource-rich asset that they believe foreigners are desperate to control.&nbsp;

That helps explain why Bolsonaro, a far-right former army captain, reacted with fury to the world`s condemnation of his handling of the fires and initially slapped down many of its offers of help.&nbsp;

"There is foreign interest in the mineral wealth and biodiversity of the Amazon," retired General Paulo Chagas, a friend of Bolsonaro`s, told Reuters.

"When (foreigners) speak of protecting the Indians and the environment, that is just a cover to justify outside interference."&nbsp;

"President Bolsonaro believes this totally. It comes from the cradle, the military academy."

But the Amazon is not just a potent symbol of national sovereignty for the armed forces, officials, former soldiers and experts said.

&nbsp;It has also given Brazil`s embattled military, buffeted by budget cuts and demoralized after years of hostile leftist administrations, an area to defend on a continent where it faces few real foes. It maintains a significant presence in the Amazon, manning battalions, building roads and staffing military hospitals in the remote jungle region.

Xavier Arnauld, a French academic who has studied the military`s role in the Amazon, said the area was a vital part of the armed forces` identity.&nbsp;

"An army needs enemies," he said. "In peacetime, when a country has financial difficulties, the temptation to reduce the army`s budget is huge. With this discourse, the army doesn`t only justify its budget, but it also gives it a mission."

The jump in Amazon forest fires this year has created an international crisis for Bolsonaro, threatening his efforts to ignite Brazil`s sickly economy and trade more with the world.

As global outrage over the fires spread, many pointed fingers at Brazil`s president for rolling back environmental protections to benefit agribusiness producers.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro responded by suggesting, without providing evidence, that international non-governmental organizations may have started the blazes. He also chafed at offers of foreign aid, and told critics like French President Emmanuel Macron to mind their own business and stop disrespecting Brazil`s sovereignty.

Although Bolsonaro`s reaction may have surprised foreign leaders, his views have played better in Brazil, and particularly within the military. In response to foreign criticism, Bolsonaro finally announced this week that the army would help fight the fires.

Bolsonaro is an outspoken admirer of the 1964-85 military dictatorship, which took power in a US-backed coup to stop an alleged communist plot to take over Brazil. One of its main missions was opening Brazil`s vast interior to development.&nbsp;

His election immediately elevated the standing of the armed forces, which had grown increasingly restive under more than a decade of leftist administrations.

Since taking office in January, Bolsonaro has placed at least 10 senior army and navy officials in his cabinet, giving military ideology a strong voice in his administration.&nbsp;

Former generals in the cabinet include Vice President Hamilton Mourão, and national security advisor Augusto Heleno, who in 2008 resigned from the army`s top job in the Amazon after criticizing the then-leftist government`s indigenous policies.

In an op-ed this week, Mourão decried "an international campaign against Brazil... to neutralise Brazilian sovereignty over our part of the Amazon region."

Army history

The son of a wildcat miner who worked the Amazon`s illicit pits, Bolsonaro was imbued with a pioneer spirit from a young age. After passing through the Black Needles Military Academy, Brazil`s version of West Point, he enjoyed a short-lived military career, lacking in distinction.&nbsp;

"The Brazilian army... influences (Bolsonaro) in the sense that it is a school of patriotism underpinned by the idea of sovereignty... in the Amazon," Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo told Reuters.

Brazil`s military has long been at the forefront of Amazon exploration, joining with missionaries and land-hungry entrepreneurs who trekked deep into the jungle seeking exotic goods, indigenous souls and the outer limits of the new nation.

Yet aside from a brief war with Paraguay in the 19th century and an expeditionary force that joined the Allies during World War Two, Brazil`s military has seen little real combat. These days, the armed forces are mainly engaged in the odd public security mission, infrastructure projects and helping during natural disasters.&nbsp;

Arnauld said that during the 1960s, the dictatorship reframed ideas of the Amazon, arguing that developing the region was key to protecting national security.&nbsp;

That ideology was best summed up by government slogans from the time: "integrate so as not to forfeit" and "give a land without men to men without land".

The military`s presence in the region remains formidable.&nbsp;

"Here we have an economy that very much revolves around our soldiers," said Herivaneo Seixas, the mayor of Humaita, a town in Amazonas state which is also home to the immaculate 54th Jungle Infantry Battalion.&nbsp;

Tassio Franchi, an Amazon expert at the Brazilian Army Command and General Staff School, said the military`s fears were justified in a dangerous, lawless region, surrounded by the world`s top three cocaine-producing nations.&nbsp;

"It`s necessary to guarantee presence, the possession and control of the territory," he said.&nbsp;

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro`s furious reaction to foreign criticism of his handling of Amazon fires reflects the sacred place the vast region occupies in the minds of Brazil`s military, for whom the rainforest is almost a raison d`être.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro`s furious reaction to foreign criticism of his handling of Amazon fires reflects the sacred place the vast region occupies in the minds of Brazil`s military, for whom the rainforest is almost a raison d`être. While many around the world view the Amazon as a vital defence against climate change, within Brazil`s military the sparsely developed region represents a sprawling, resource-rich asset that they believe foreigners are desperate to control. That helps explain why Bolsonaro, a far-right former army captain, reacted with fury to the world`s condemnation of his handling of the fires and initially slapped down many of its offers of help. "There is foreign interest in the mineral wealth and biodiversity of the Amazon," retired General Paulo Chagas, a friend of Bolsonaro`s, told Reuters. "When (foreigners) speak of protecting the Indians and the environment, that is just a cover to justify outside interference." "President Bolsonaro believes this totally. It comes from the cradle, the military academy." But the Amazon is not just a potent symbol of national sovereignty for the armed forces, officials, former soldiers and experts said. It has also given Brazil`s embattled military, buffeted by budget cuts and demoralized after years of hostile leftist administrations, an area to defend on a continent where it faces few real foes. It maintains a significant presence in the Amazon, manning battalions, building roads and staffing military hospitals in the remote jungle region. Xavier Arnauld, a French academic who has studied the military`s role in the Amazon, said the area was a vital part of the armed forces` identity. "An army needs enemies," he said. "In peacetime, when a country has financial difficulties, the temptation to reduce the army`s budget is huge. With this discourse, the army doesn`t only justify its budget, but it also gives it a mission." The jump in Amazon forest fires this year has created an international crisis for Bolsonaro, threatening his efforts to ignite Brazil`s sickly economy and trade more with the world. As global outrage over the fires spread, many pointed fingers at Brazil`s president for rolling back environmental protections to benefit agribusiness producers. Bolsonaro responded by suggesting, without providing evidence, that international non-governmental organizations may have started the blazes. He also chafed at offers of foreign aid, and told critics like French President Emmanuel Macron to mind their own business and stop disrespecting Brazil`s sovereignty. Although Bolsonaro`s reaction may have surprised foreign leaders, his views have played better in Brazil, and particularly within the military. In response to foreign criticism, Bolsonaro finally announced this week that the army would help fight the fires. Bolsonaro is an outspoken admirer of the 1964-85 military dictatorship, which took power in a US-backed coup to stop an alleged communist plot to take over Brazil. One of its main missions was opening Brazil`s vast interior to development. His election immediately elevated the standing of the armed forces, which had grown increasingly restive under more than a decade of leftist administrations. Since taking office in January, Bolsonaro has placed at least 10 senior army and navy officials in his cabinet, giving military ideology a strong voice in his administration. Former generals in the cabinet include Vice President Hamilton Mourão, and national security advisor Augusto Heleno, who in 2008 resigned from the army`s top job in the Amazon after criticizing the then-leftist government`s indigenous policies. In an op-ed this week, Mourão decried "an international campaign against Brazil... to neutralise Brazilian sovereignty over our part of the Amazon region." Army history The son of a wildcat miner who worked the Amazon`s illicit pits, Bolsonaro was imbued with a pioneer spirit from a young age. After passing through the Black Needles Military Academy, Brazil`s version of West Point, he enjoyed a short-lived military career, lacking in distinction. "The Brazilian army... influences (Bolsonaro) in the sense that it is a school of patriotism underpinned by the idea of sovereignty... in the Amazon," Brazilian Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo told Reuters. Brazil`s military has long been at the forefront of Amazon exploration, joining with missionaries and land-hungry entrepreneurs who trekked deep into the jungle seeking exotic goods, indigenous souls and the outer limits of the new nation. Yet aside from a brief war with Paraguay in the 19th century and an expeditionary force that joined the Allies during World War Two, Brazil`s military has seen little real combat. These days, the armed forces are mainly engaged in the odd public security mission, infrastructure projects and helping during natural disasters. Arnauld said that during the 1960s, the dictatorship reframed ideas of the Amazon, arguing that developing the region was key to protecting national security. That ideology was best summed up by government slogans from the time: "integrate so as not to forfeit" and "give a land without men to men without land". The military`s presence in the region remains formidable. "Here we have an economy that very much revolves around our soldiers," said Herivaneo Seixas, the mayor of Humaita, a town in Amazonas state which is also home to the immaculate 54th Jungle Infantry Battalion. Tassio Franchi, an Amazon expert at the Brazilian Army Command and General Staff School, said the military`s fears were justified in a dangerous, lawless region, surrounded by the world`s top three cocaine-producing nations. "It`s necessary to guarantee presence, the possession and control of the territory," he said.

Why is Bolsonaro wary of foreign Amazon aid: Brazil's military

Federal agents in Brazil exchanged gunfire with illegal miners in the Amazon state of Para on Friday, according to witnesses, in a dramatic example of how Brazil has stepped up environmental enforcement in the wake of rainforest fires.

Federal police and agents with<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/warplanes-dump-water-on-amazon-as-brazil-military-begins-fighting-fires-245671"> environmental enforcement</a> agency Ibama were carrying out a raid on illegal wildcat miners near the Ituna/Itatá indigenous reserve, which crosses into several municipalities including the city of Altamira, according to two Reuters witnesses.

"They (the miners) hid in the forest and shot at the team," said Hugo Loss, Ibama's national coordinator of enforcement operations, who accompanied the mission.

The agents returned fire, but all of the miners escaped into the woods and no suspects were apprehended.

No-one was injured, according to the official.&nbsp;

Ibama and the federal police destroyed two backhoes and three other pieces of mining equipment.

Ibama had largely rolled back its field operations in Para state so far this year, over failure to reach an agreement with police at the state-level to offer support, according to Loss.&nbsp;

State police generally accompany Ibama on potentially dangerous operations.

That came on top of efforts by the government of right-wing<a href="https://www.wionews.com/opinions/brazilian-president-jair-bolsonaro-has-got-the-environmentalists-worried-188740"> President Jair Bolsonaro to weaken Ibama,</a> including prohibiting agents from destroying machinery used to commit environmental crimes and grounding the agency's special forces unit used on riskier raids, according to a Reuters investigation.

But news broke last week that fires in the Amazon surged to their highest level since 2010 and provoked international criticism that Brazil was not doing enough to protect the world's largest tropical rainforest.

Following several days of public outcry, Bolsonaro authorized the military to support firefighting efforts, with his justice minister further issuing a decree allowing federal police to support environmental operations.

That federal support allowed for Ibama-organized raids such as the one on Friday to be carried out, Loss said.&nbsp;

The raid was not directly related to the fires.

"Only now with the recognition of alarming deforestation and fire data and with the (justice minister's) decree, did we have conditions allowing us to operate in this area," he said.

"In this area we had operations planned for June and July, but we weren't able to execute them... because of lack of support."

Illegal mining contributes to overall deforestation in Brazil, with roughly 10per cent of the area of the indigenous reserve near the raid having been deforested this year alone, Loss said. 
&nbsp;

Federal agents in Brazil exchanged gunfire with illegal miners in the Amazon state of Para on Friday, according to witnesses, in a dramatic example of how Brazil has stepped up environmental enforcement in the wake of rainforest fires.

Federal agents in Brazil exchanged gunfire with illegal miners in the Amazon state of Para on Friday, according to witnesses, in a dramatic example of how Brazil has stepped up environmental enforcement in the wake of rainforest fires. Federal police and agents with environmental enforcement agency Ibama were carrying out a raid on illegal wildcat miners near the Ituna/Itatá indigenous reserve, which crosses into several municipalities including the city of Altamira, according to two Reuters witnesses. "They (the miners) hid in the forest and shot at the team," said Hugo Loss, Ibama's national coordinator of enforcement operations, who accompanied the mission. The agents returned fire, but all of the miners escaped into the woods and no suspects were apprehended. No-one was injured, according to the official. Ibama and the federal police destroyed two backhoes and three other pieces of mining equipment. Ibama had largely rolled back its field operations in Para state so far this year, over failure to reach an agreement with police at the state-level to offer support, according to Loss. State police generally accompany Ibama on potentially dangerous operations. That came on top of efforts by the government of right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro to weaken Ibama, including prohibiting agents from destroying machinery used to commit environmental crimes and grounding the agency's special forces unit used on riskier raids, according to a Reuters investigation. But news broke last week that fires in the Amazon surged to their highest level since 2010 and provoked international criticism that Brazil was not doing enough to protect the world's largest tropical rainforest. Following several days of public outcry, Bolsonaro authorized the military to support firefighting efforts, with his justice minister further issuing a decree allowing federal police to support environmental operations. That federal support allowed for Ibama-organized raids such as the one on Friday to be carried out, Loss said. The raid was not directly related to the fires. "Only now with the recognition of alarming deforestation and fire data and with the (justice minister's) decree, did we have conditions allowing us to operate in this area," he said. "In this area we had operations planned for June and July, but we weren't able to execute them... because of lack of support." Illegal mining contributes to overall deforestation in Brazil, with roughly 10per cent of the area of the indigenous reserve near the raid having been deforested this year alone, Loss said.

Brazil steps up environmental enforcement; agents raid illegal miners in Amazon

President Jair Bolsonaro said Friday that Europe has "nothing to teach" Brazil about preserving the environment, as data showed thousands of new fires were ignited on the first day of a ban on burning.&nbsp;

The far-right leader's comments are likely to fuel a diplomatic row between Brazil and Europe over the worst fires in years in the Amazon basin. Offers have come in from overseas to help put them out.&nbsp;

It comes as a Brazilian delegation, which includes Bolsonaro's third son and hopeful ambassador to the United States, is set to meet with senior US administration officials at the White House on Friday after President Donald Trump offered to assist with the Amazon crisis.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro has accused Germany and France of "buying" Brazil's sovereignty after the G7 offered $20 million in Amazon fire aid and he initially rejected the money unless his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron withdrew insults made against him. &nbsp;

Bolsonaro later said Brazil would accept bilateral aid to fight the fires but has insisted the Latin American country must control the money.

The Brazilian president told reporters he would talk to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, without specifying when, and repeated a demand that "our dear Macron" retract remarks relating to Brazil's sovereignty of the Amazon before he would speak to him.&nbsp;

"Europe has nothing to teach us about preserving the environment," Bolsonaro said, reiterating his plan for "sustainable exploitation" of the Amazon.

"It will happen," he added.

The visit by Bolsonaro's son Eduardo and Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo to Washington was to thank Trump for his support during the crisis over the Amazon fires, the Brazilian leader said Thursday.

A senior US administration official said the men would visit the White House. There was no confirmation they would meet with Trump.

More fires

On the eve of the G7 summit last week, Macron declared the forest fires, which are also affecting Bolivia, an "international crisis" and put it on the agenda of the gathering of the rich democracies.&nbsp;

Macron also accused Bolsonaro of lying to him about Brazil's climate change stance.

Bolsonaro reacted furiously, accusing Macron of having a "colonialist mentality."&nbsp;

Under growing pressure to do more, Bolsonaro issued a nationwide 60-day ban on burning that took effect Thursday.&nbsp;

Activists quickly doused hopes that the prohibition would work in the remote Amazon region where deforestation has surged this year as agencies tasked with monitoring illegal activities were weakened.&nbsp;

On the same day, as the ban took effect, 2,300 new fires were detected -- most of them in the Amazon basin -- taking the total number for this year to 87,257, the latest figures from the National Institute for Space Research show.

Nearly 1,500 of the new fires were in the vast Amazon basin.&nbsp;

This year's total is the highest since 2010 when 132,106 fires were detected across the country.

Para was the hardest hit state on Thursday, with 587 new blazes -- up 67 per cent from the previous day.

Some 464 fires were started in Mato Grosso, a rise of 274 per cent.&nbsp;

In Rondonia, where firefighting efforts were initially concentrated, 67 new fires were registered, nearly three times the previous day. &nbsp;

Police on Thursday arrested three people for burning more than 5,000 hectares (12,350 acres) in a conservation area in Para.&nbsp;

Thousands of troops and firefighters have been deployed since the weekend to combat the fires, along with two C-130 Hercules and other aircraft that are dumping water over affected areas in the country's north.

The defence ministry says the fires are under control.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro claimed in a live broadcast on Facebook on Thursday that "this year's fires are below the average of recent years."

President Jair Bolsonaro said Friday that Europe has "nothing to teach" Brazil about preserving the environment, as data showed thousands of new fires were ignited on the first day of a ban on burning.

President Jair Bolsonaro said Friday that Europe has "nothing to teach" Brazil about preserving the environment, as data showed thousands of new fires were ignited on the first day of a ban on burning. The far-right leader's comments are likely to fuel a diplomatic row between Brazil and Europe over the worst fires in years in the Amazon basin. Offers have come in from overseas to help put them out. It comes as a Brazilian delegation, which includes Bolsonaro's third son and hopeful ambassador to the United States, is set to meet with senior US administration officials at the White House on Friday after President Donald Trump offered to assist with the Amazon crisis. Bolsonaro has accused Germany and France of "buying" Brazil's sovereignty after the G7 offered $20 million in Amazon fire aid and he initially rejected the money unless his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron withdrew insults made against him. Bolsonaro later said Brazil would accept bilateral aid to fight the fires but has insisted the Latin American country must control the money. The Brazilian president told reporters he would talk to German Chancellor Angela Merkel, without specifying when, and repeated a demand that "our dear Macron" retract remarks relating to Brazil's sovereignty of the Amazon before he would speak to him. "Europe has nothing to teach us about preserving the environment," Bolsonaro said, reiterating his plan for "sustainable exploitation" of the Amazon. "It will happen," he added. The visit by Bolsonaro's son Eduardo and Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo to Washington was to thank Trump for his support during the crisis over the Amazon fires, the Brazilian leader said Thursday. A senior US administration official said the men would visit the White House. There was no confirmation they would meet with Trump. More fires On the eve of the G7 summit last week, Macron declared the forest fires, which are also affecting Bolivia, an "international crisis" and put it on the agenda of the gathering of the rich democracies. Macron also accused Bolsonaro of lying to him about Brazil's climate change stance. Bolsonaro reacted furiously, accusing Macron of having a "colonialist mentality." Under growing pressure to do more, Bolsonaro issued a nationwide 60-day ban on burning that took effect Thursday. Activists quickly doused hopes that the prohibition would work in the remote Amazon region where deforestation has surged this year as agencies tasked with monitoring illegal activities were weakened. On the same day, as the ban took effect, 2,300 new fires were detected -- most of them in the Amazon basin -- taking the total number for this year to 87,257, the latest figures from the National Institute for Space Research show. Nearly 1,500 of the new fires were in the vast Amazon basin. This year's total is the highest since 2010 when 132,106 fires were detected across the country. Para was the hardest hit state on Thursday, with 587 new blazes -- up 67 per cent from the previous day. Some 464 fires were started in Mato Grosso, a rise of 274 per cent. In Rondonia, where firefighting efforts were initially concentrated, 67 new fires were registered, nearly three times the previous day. Police on Thursday arrested three people for burning more than 5,000 hectares (12,350 acres) in a conservation area in Para. Thousands of troops and firefighters have been deployed since the weekend to combat the fires, along with two C-130 Hercules and other aircraft that are dumping water over affected areas in the country's north. The defence ministry says the fires are under control. Bolsonaro claimed in a live broadcast on Facebook on Thursday that "this year's fires are below the average of recent years."

'Europe has nothing to teach Brazil about preserving environment,' says Bolsonaro as Amazon fires soar

Fires in Brazil's <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-burning-ban-takes-effect-as-amazon-fires-rage-246490">Amazon rainforest</a> have receded slightly since President <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaros-son-heads-to-washington-to-thank-trump-for-amazon-support-246511">Jair Bolsonaro</a> sent in the military to help battle the blazes, but international fallout accelerated as a major shoemaker said it would not buy supplies from Brazil.

Brazil has registered 2,696 fires in the Amazon in the five days since Saturday, when the military began on-the-ground firefighting efforts, according to data from Brazil's space research agency INPE. That is down 31% from the previous five days when 3,917 fires were registered before the military response.

The thousands of fires tearing through the Amazon have spawned an international crisis for Brazil, with public protests and world leaders voicing concern that Bolsonaro's government is doing too little to protect the world's largest tropical rainforest. After several days of criticism, Bolsonaro decided to send in the military to support firefighting efforts.

This year's surge in fires, which INPE says is the worst since 2010, also raises fears of companies stepping back from Brazil amid adverse publicity surrounding the burning forest and the prospect of international sanctions.

On Thursday, the owner of shoe and apparel brands including Timberland, Vans and the North Face took the most concrete corporate move yet in response to the fires. VF Corp&nbsp;will no longer buy Brazilian leather, it said in a statement.

VF said it would resume buying Brazilian leather when "we have the confidence and assurance that the materials used in our products do not contribute to environmental harm in the country."

The Greensboro, North Carolina-based company, whose other brands include Dickies, Smartwool and JanSport, said it is no longer able to assure that leather from Brazilian suppliers meets this commitment.

The company did not respond to questions regarding the value of its Brazilian leather imports or possible markets it might use for alternative supply.

According to the Center for the Brazilian Tanning Industry, the main leather trade group in Brazil, the country exported $1.44 billion of bovine leather in 2018. Its largest export markets were the United States, China and Italy, which together consumed about 60% of Brazilian leather exports in 2018.

Elsewhere, Norway has urged several of its companies to ensure they do not contribute to Amazon deforestation, including oil firm Equinor ASA, fertilizer-maker Yara International ASA and aluminum producer Norsk Hydro ASA.

The fires have also led to heightened scrutiny of Brazilian agriculture, one of the country's main economic engines.

Responding to concerns, soy crusher industry group Abiove released data it said shows that production of the oilseeds is not contributing to the fires.

The 10 towns in the Amazon reporting the most fires have only 30,000 hectares of soy planted, a negligible amount in Brazil's overall soy trade, Abiove said. Brazil's total planted soy area is 36 million hectares.

Still, more than half of the plantings were in the municipality of Novo Progresso in the Amazonian state of Pará. That town was the epicentre of the so-called Fire Day earlier this month which allegedly called on people to set fires to clear land for agriculture and cattle grazing - a claim prosecutors are still investigating.

Environmentalists claim that fires were set by real estate speculators and ranchers, as it is common practice to clear land for agricultural use.

Bolsonaro has insisted fires are under control and issued a decree on Thursday banning fires from being set across the country for 60 days.

On Thursday, he thanked US&nbsp;President Donald Trump for his support in the Group of Seven's discussion of the Amazon region at last weekend's summit in France of the world's wealthiest nations. 
&nbsp;

Fires in Brazil's Amazon rainforest have receded slightly since President Jair Bolsonaro sent in the military to help battle the blazes, but international fallout accelerated as a major shoemaker said it would not buy supplies from Brazil.

Fires in Brazil's Amazon rainforest have receded slightly since President Jair Bolsonaro sent in the military to help battle the blazes, but international fallout accelerated as a major shoemaker said it would not buy supplies from Brazil. Brazil has registered 2,696 fires in the Amazon in the five days since Saturday, when the military began on-the-ground firefighting efforts, according to data from Brazil's space research agency INPE. That is down 31% from the previous five days when 3,917 fires were registered before the military response. The thousands of fires tearing through the Amazon have spawned an international crisis for Brazil, with public protests and world leaders voicing concern that Bolsonaro's government is doing too little to protect the world's largest tropical rainforest. After several days of criticism, Bolsonaro decided to send in the military to support firefighting efforts. This year's surge in fires, which INPE says is the worst since 2010, also raises fears of companies stepping back from Brazil amid adverse publicity surrounding the burning forest and the prospect of international sanctions. On Thursday, the owner of shoe and apparel brands including Timberland, Vans and the North Face took the most concrete corporate move yet in response to the fires. VF Corp will no longer buy Brazilian leather, it said in a statement. VF said it would resume buying Brazilian leather when "we have the confidence and assurance that the materials used in our products do not contribute to environmental harm in the country." The Greensboro, North Carolina-based company, whose other brands include Dickies, Smartwool and JanSport, said it is no longer able to assure that leather from Brazilian suppliers meets this commitment. The company did not respond to questions regarding the value of its Brazilian leather imports or possible markets it might use for alternative supply. According to the Center for the Brazilian Tanning Industry, the main leather trade group in Brazil, the country exported $1.44 billion of bovine leather in 2018. Its largest export markets were the United States, China and Italy, which together consumed about 60% of Brazilian leather exports in 2018. Elsewhere, Norway has urged several of its companies to ensure they do not contribute to Amazon deforestation, including oil firm Equinor ASA, fertilizer-maker Yara International ASA and aluminum producer Norsk Hydro ASA. The fires have also led to heightened scrutiny of Brazilian agriculture, one of the country's main economic engines. Responding to concerns, soy crusher industry group Abiove released data it said shows that production of the oilseeds is not contributing to the fires. The 10 towns in the Amazon reporting the most fires have only 30,000 hectares of soy planted, a negligible amount in Brazil's overall soy trade, Abiove said. Brazil's total planted soy area is 36 million hectares. Still, more than half of the plantings were in the municipality of Novo Progresso in the Amazonian state of Pará. That town was the epicentre of the so-called Fire Day earlier this month which allegedly called on people to set fires to clear land for agriculture and cattle grazing - a claim prosecutors are still investigating. Environmentalists claim that fires were set by real estate speculators and ranchers, as it is common practice to clear land for agricultural use. Bolsonaro has insisted fires are under control and issued a decree on Thursday banning fires from being set across the country for 60 days. On Thursday, he thanked US President Donald Trump for his support in the Group of Seven's discussion of the Amazon region at last weekend's summit in France of the world's wealthiest nations.

In response to Amazon wildfire, owner of Timberland, Vans says will not buy Brazilian leather

On Tuesday, August 27, drone footage from Reuters captured smoke and increasing fire strength in Brazil's Amazon, leaving behind it a trail of desolation.

Wildfire rages in Amazon, Earth's ecological shield blunted

Politicking The Global Emergency That Is Amazon Forest Fires.

Gravitas: Amidst Amazon Forest Fires, Bolsonaro mocks France's First Lady

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Wednesday that South American countries would meet to determine a common policy in defence of the Amazon rainforest, and took another swipe at France for an offer of $20 million in aid.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Wednesday that South American countries would meet to determine a common policy in defence of the Amazon rainforest, and took another swipe at France for an offer of $20 million in aid. In an indication that Bolsonaro, a far-right conservative, is forging closer ties with neighbouring countries than European nations, he also accepted Chile's offer of four aircraft to help fight the fires sweeping through the world's largest rainforest. × Speaking to journalists after a meeting with Chilean President Sebastian Pinera in Brasilia, Bolsonaro said a meeting with regional neighbours except Venezuela to discuss a common policy in defence of the Amazon will be held on September 6 in the Colombian city of Leticia. Pinera offered his full backing to Bolsonaro, saying the sovereignty of the nations that share the Amazon had to be respected, while Bolsonaro said Brazil's sovereignty had "no price, not even $20 trillion." That was a reference to an offer of $20 million aid announced by French President Emmanuel Macron at a summit of the G7 wealthy nations in Biarritz over the weekend, which Bolsonaro dismissed as an insulting attempt to "buy" Brazil's sovereignty. Macron has accused Bolsonaro, a longtime sceptic of environmental concerns, of lying about climate change. "The French government called me a liar. Only after it has recanted what it said about me ... and the Brazilian people, who do not accept this diminution of the Amazon's sovereignty ... if so, then we can talk again," Bolsonaro said. Brazil's Environment Minister Ricardo Salles, who shares Bolsonaro's scepticism of environmental concerns and has been at the forefront of the Brazilian government's response to the Amazon crisis, remained in the Armed Forces Hospital in Brasilia on Wednesday. Salles, 44, was admitted to the hospital's emergency unit on Tuesday after complaining of not feeling well, the hospital said in a statement. Hospital staff opted to carry out "routine examinations," and he is in stable condition, it said.

Brazil announces South American meeting on Amazon, accepts Chile's help

The Brazilian government has rejected G7 aid of <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/g7-pledges-millions-to-help-fight-amazon-fires-245803">20 million euros to fight Amazon fires</a>, news agency AFP reported&nbsp;on Tuesday.

"We appreciate (the offer), but maybe those resources are more relevant to reforest Europe,"&nbsp;Onyx Lorenzoni, chief of staff to President Jair Bolsonaro, told the G1 news website.

"Macron cannot even avoid a foreseeable fire in a church that is a world heritage site. What does he intend to teach our country?" Lorenzoni continued, referring to the fire in April that devastated the Notre-Dame cathedral.

Brazilian Environment Minister Ricardo Salles had earlier told reporters they had welcomed the G7 funding to fight the fires.

But after a meeting between Bolsonaro and his ministers, the Brazilian government changed course.

The G7 has agreed to spend 20 million euros on the Amazon, mainly to send firefighting aircraft to tackle the huge blazes engulfing many parts of the world's biggest rainforest.

The initiative was announced after G7 leaders meeting in the resort of Biarritz held talks on the environment, focusing on the record number of fires destroying chunks of the Amazon.

The Amazon rainforest, which produces about 20 per cent of the Earth's atmosphere's oxygen, is burning from wildfires at a record rate and has drawn international attention.

Watch:&nbsp;G7 Nations extend help for Amazon

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g7-nations-extend-help-for-amazon-245815/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

Environmental activists have been staging protests at Brazilian embassies worldwide and&nbsp;accusing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro of supporting&nbsp;farmers who are burning the rainforest to expand farming land.

On Saturday, the Brazilian&nbsp;authorities deployed troops&nbsp;in an attempt to fight the environmental disaster.

(With inputs from AFP)

The Brazilian government has rejected G7 aid of 20 million euros to fight Amazon fires, news agency AFP reported on Tuesday. "We appreciate (the offer), but maybe those resources are more relevant to reforest Europe," Onyx Lorenzoni, chief of staff to President Jair Bolsonaro, told the G1 news website.

The Brazilian government has rejected G7 aid of 20 million euros to fight Amazon fires, news agency AFP reported on Tuesday. "We appreciate (the offer), but maybe those resources are more relevant to reforest Europe," Onyx Lorenzoni, chief of staff to President Jair Bolsonaro, told the G1 news website. "Macron cannot even avoid a foreseeable fire in a church that is a world heritage site. What does he intend to teach our country?" Lorenzoni continued, referring to the fire in April that devastated the Notre-Dame cathedral. Brazilian Environment Minister Ricardo Salles had earlier told reporters they had welcomed the G7 funding to fight the fires. But after a meeting between Bolsonaro and his ministers, the Brazilian government changed course. The G7 has agreed to spend 20 million euros on the Amazon, mainly to send firefighting aircraft to tackle the huge blazes engulfing many parts of the world's biggest rainforest. The initiative was announced after G7 leaders meeting in the resort of Biarritz held talks on the environment, focusing on the record number of fires destroying chunks of the Amazon. The Amazon rainforest, which produces about 20 per cent of the Earth's atmosphere's oxygen, is burning from wildfires at a record rate and has drawn international attention. Watch: G7 Nations extend help for Amazon Environmental activists have been staging protests at Brazilian embassies worldwide and accusing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro of supporting farmers who are burning the rainforest to expand farming land. On Saturday, the Brazilian authorities deployed troops in an attempt to fight the environmental disaster. (With inputs from AFP)

Brazil rejects G7 aid of 20 million euros to fight Amazon fires

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said Tuesday he was open to discussing G7 aid for fighting fires in the Amazon if his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron "withdraws insults" made against him, news agency AFP reported.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said Tuesday he was open to discussing G7 aid for fighting fires in the Amazon if his French counterpart Emmanuel Macron "withdraws insults" made against him, news agency AFP reported. "To talk or accept anything from France, with the best possible intentions, he (Macron) has to withdraw these words, and from there we can talk," AFP quoted Bolsonaro as saying. The two leaders have become embroiled in a deeply personal and public war of words in recent days, with Bolsonaro mocking Macron's wife on Facebook and accusing the French leader of disrespecting Brazil's sovereignty. Speaking to reporters in Brasilia on Tuesday, Bolsonaro appeared to adopt a slightly more conciliatory stance. "Did I say that? Did I?" Bolsonaro said when questioned about Lorenzoni's comments. "First of all, Macron has to withdraw his insults. He called me a liar. Before we talk or accept anything from France ... he must withdraw these words then we can talk," Bolsonaro said. "First he withdraws, then offers (aid), then I will answer." Earlier the Brazilian government has rejected G7 aid of 20 million euros to fight Amazon fires. "We appreciate (the offer), but maybe those resources are more relevant to reforest Europe," Onyx Lorenzoni, chief of staff to President Jair Bolsonaro, told the G1 news website. "Macron cannot even avoid a foreseeable fire in a church that is a world heritage site. What does he intend to teach our country?" Lorenzoni continued, referring to the fire in April that devastated the Notre-Dame cathedral. Macron had accused Bolsonaro of lying about a June pledge to fight global warming and threatened to block efforts to seal a major trade deal between the EU and South America's Mercosur nations over the Amazon crisis. (With inputs from agencies)

Brazil President Bolsonaro open to G7 aid if Macron 'withdraws insults'

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro endorsed a sexist Facebook post about France's first lady Brigitte Macron Sunday, the latest chapter in an escalating war of words between him and his French counterpart over the Amazon crisis.

Emmanuel Macron had called for emergency talks by <a href="wionews.com/world/g7-pledges-millions-to-help-fight-amazon-fires-245803">G7 nations</a> on the fires <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/thousands-protest-across-latin-america-against-bolsonaros-handling-of-amazon-245249">destroying chunks of the Amazon rainforest</a>, piling pressure on Bolsonaro, who in turn accused him of having a "colonialist mentality".

On Sunday, a Bolsonaro supporter posted a meme mocking the appearance of Brigitte Macron and comparing her unfavourably with Brazil's first lady Michelle Bolsonaro, with the tagline: "Now you understand why Macron is persecuting Bolsonaro?"

The far-right Brazilian leader replied: "Do not humiliate the guy, ha ha," referring to Macron.

Asked by AFP whether the response came from Bolsonaro himself, a spokesman for Brazil's presidential palace refused to comment.

The fires across the world's largest rainforest, which experts have blamed on rampant deforestation, have triggered a global outcry -- with European nations leading the charge against Bolsonaro, who has made no secret of his scepticism about climate change.

The row has seen Brazilian politicians -- including Bolsonaro's son Eduardo -- take potshots at Macron, with education minister Abraham Weintraub calling him "an opportunist idiot" and "a president without character" in a flurry of tweets Sunday.

Eduardo Bolsonaro, who is tipped to be the next ambassador to Washington, on Friday retweeted a video showing violent yellow-vest protests in France headlined "Macron is an idiot", calling it "a message" to the French leader.

Macron has accused Bolsonaro of lying about a June pledge to fight global warming and threatened to block efforts to seal a major trade deal between the EU and South America's Mercosur nations over the Amazon crisis.

Ties between Brazil and France have plunged since Bolsonaro's election. Last month the Brazilian leader snubbed France's top diplomat by cancelling their meeting and getting a haircut instead, which he broadcast live on Facebook.

Jean-Yves Le Drian had angered Bolsonaro by meeting with non-profits which have been critical of the South American leader.

Last week Bolsonaro accused non-profit organizations of deliberately starting the fires after their funding was cut.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro endorsed a sexist Facebook post about France's first lady Brigitte Macron Sunday, the latest chapter in an escalating war of words between him and his French counterpart over the Amazon crisis.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro endorsed a sexist Facebook post about France's first lady Brigitte Macron Sunday, the latest chapter in an escalating war of words between him and his French counterpart over the Amazon crisis. Emmanuel Macron had called for emergency talks by G7 nations on the fires destroying chunks of the Amazon rainforest, piling pressure on Bolsonaro, who in turn accused him of having a "colonialist mentality". On Sunday, a Bolsonaro supporter posted a meme mocking the appearance of Brigitte Macron and comparing her unfavourably with Brazil's first lady Michelle Bolsonaro, with the tagline: "Now you understand why Macron is persecuting Bolsonaro?" The far-right Brazilian leader replied: "Do not humiliate the guy, ha ha," referring to Macron. Asked by AFP whether the response came from Bolsonaro himself, a spokesman for Brazil's presidential palace refused to comment. The fires across the world's largest rainforest, which experts have blamed on rampant deforestation, have triggered a global outcry -- with European nations leading the charge against Bolsonaro, who has made no secret of his scepticism about climate change. The row has seen Brazilian politicians -- including Bolsonaro's son Eduardo -- take potshots at Macron, with education minister Abraham Weintraub calling him "an opportunist idiot" and "a president without character" in a flurry of tweets Sunday. Eduardo Bolsonaro, who is tipped to be the next ambassador to Washington, on Friday retweeted a video showing violent yellow-vest protests in France headlined "Macron is an idiot", calling it "a message" to the French leader. Macron has accused Bolsonaro of lying about a June pledge to fight global warming and threatened to block efforts to seal a major trade deal between the EU and South America's Mercosur nations over the Amazon crisis. Ties between Brazil and France have plunged since Bolsonaro's election. Last month the Brazilian leader snubbed France's top diplomat by cancelling their meeting and getting a haircut instead, which he broadcast live on Facebook. Jean-Yves Le Drian had angered Bolsonaro by meeting with non-profits which have been critical of the South American leader. Last week Bolsonaro accused non-profit organizations of deliberately starting the fires after their funding was cut.

Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro endorses sexist post about France's first lady Brigitte Macron

Brazilian&nbsp;warplanes&nbsp;are&nbsp;dumping&nbsp;water&nbsp;on the burning forest in the&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;state of Rondonia, responding to a global outcry over the destruction of the world's largest tropical rain forest.

As of Sunday, <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-amazon-burns-brazils-jair-bolsonaro-tells-rest-of-world-not-to-interfere-244909">President Jair Bolsonaro</a> had authorized&nbsp;military&nbsp;operations in seven states to combat raging&nbsp;fires&nbsp;in the&nbsp;Amazon, responding to requests for assistance from their local governments, a spokeswoman for his office said.

Reuters accompanied a firefighting&nbsp;brigade near the state capital of Porto Velho, where there were areas larger than football fields that had been charred, but active&nbsp;fires&nbsp;were contained to small areas of individual trees.

The dozen or so yellow-clad firefighters from environmental enforcement agency Ibama easily cleared brush from around a burning stump with a leaf blower, doused it with jets connected to&nbsp;water&nbsp;packs mounted on their backs and covered it in the earth.

A video posted by the Defense Ministry on Saturday evening showed a&nbsp;military&nbsp;plane pumping thousands of litres (thousands of gallons) of&nbsp;water&nbsp;out of two giant jets as it passed through clouds of smoke close to the forest canopy.

The response comes as leaders of countries in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/protesters-march-near-biarritz-demanding-action-from-g7-leaders-245340">Group of Seven (G7)</a> nations currently meeting in France expressed grave concerns over the&nbsp;fires.

French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday said the G7 was nearing a deal to provide "technical and financial help" to countries affected by the&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;fires.

Nearly 80,000&nbsp;fires&nbsp;have been registered across&nbsp;Brazil&nbsp;through August 24, the highest since at least 2013, according to space research agency INPE.

Bolsonaro announced the&nbsp;military&nbsp;would be sent in on Friday after several days of criticism from the public and world leaders that&nbsp;Brazil's government was not doing anything to fight the&nbsp;fires.

He also said on Twitter he had accepted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's offer of a plane and specialized support for the firefighting&nbsp;operations, following a call between the two leaders.

But outside of Rondonia, the government had yet to provide any operational details for other states.

The Defense Ministry said in a briefing on Saturday that 44,000 troops were available in&nbsp;Brazil's northern&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;region but did not say how many would be used where and what they would do.

Military&nbsp;personnel around Porto Velho appeared to be largely coordinating firefighting&nbsp;efforts, according to a Reuters witness.

Asked for additional details, the Defense Ministry told Reuters in a statement that in all seven states that have asked for help, the&nbsp;military&nbsp;is planning operations to support firefighting initiatives already underway.

Justice Minister Sergio Moro had also authorized a force of&nbsp;military&nbsp;police to assist in&nbsp;fighting&nbsp;the&nbsp;fires, with 30 sets to be sent from Brasilia to Porto Velho.

The president's office posted to Twitter a photo of police officers on a plane bound for Rondonia set to arrive at noon.

Environment Minister Ricardo Salles posted a video showing a caravan of yellow fire prevention trucks and other government vehicles, saying they were on the ground responding in Rondonia.

Colombian President Ivan Duque said on Sunday he would seek a conservation pact with other&nbsp;Amazonian countries - first in bi-lateral meetings in Peru this week and then at the United Nations General Assembly.

"Colombia wants to lead a pact, a conservation pact, between the countries that have&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;territory," Duque said after meeting with an indigenous community in the&nbsp;Amazonian city of Leticia in southern Colombia.

"We must understand the protection of our Mother Earth and our&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;is a duty, a moral duty."

The&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;is the world's largest tropical rain forest and is seen as vital to the fight against climate change because of the vast amounts of carbon dioxide than it absorbs.

The&nbsp;Amazon, which provides 20 per cent of the planet's oxygen, is home to an estimated one million indigenous people from up to 500 tribes as well some three million species of plants and animals, including jaguars, sloths, giant otters, river dolphins, howler monkeys, toucans, reptiles, frogs and insects.

Brazilian climate scientist Carlos Nobre said he worries if 20-25 per cent of the ecosystem is destroyed that the&nbsp;Amazon&nbsp;could reach a tipping point, after which it would enter a self-sustaining period of dieback as the forest converts to savannah.&nbsp;

Nobre warned that it is not far off with already 15-17 per cent of the rain forest having been destroyed.

Brazilian warplanes are dumping water on the burning forest in the Amazon state of Rondonia, responding to a global outcry over the destruction of the world's largest tropical rain forest.

Brazilian warplanes are dumping water on the burning forest in the Amazon state of Rondonia, responding to a global outcry over the destruction of the world's largest tropical rain forest. As of Sunday, President Jair Bolsonaro had authorized military operations in seven states to combat raging fires in the Amazon, responding to requests for assistance from their local governments, a spokeswoman for his office said. Reuters accompanied a firefighting brigade near the state capital of Porto Velho, where there were areas larger than football fields that had been charred, but active fires were contained to small areas of individual trees. The dozen or so yellow-clad firefighters from environmental enforcement agency Ibama easily cleared brush from around a burning stump with a leaf blower, doused it with jets connected to water packs mounted on their backs and covered it in the earth. A video posted by the Defense Ministry on Saturday evening showed a military plane pumping thousands of litres (thousands of gallons) of water out of two giant jets as it passed through clouds of smoke close to the forest canopy. The response comes as leaders of countries in the Group of Seven (G7) nations currently meeting in France expressed grave concerns over the fires. French President Emmanuel Macron on Sunday said the G7 was nearing a deal to provide "technical and financial help" to countries affected by the Amazon fires. Nearly 80,000 fires have been registered across Brazil through August 24, the highest since at least 2013, according to space research agency INPE. Bolsonaro announced the military would be sent in on Friday after several days of criticism from the public and world leaders that Brazil's government was not doing anything to fight the fires. He also said on Twitter he had accepted Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu's offer of a plane and specialized support for the firefighting operations, following a call between the two leaders. But outside of Rondonia, the government had yet to provide any operational details for other states. The Defense Ministry said in a briefing on Saturday that 44,000 troops were available in Brazil's northern Amazon region but did not say how many would be used where and what they would do. Military personnel around Porto Velho appeared to be largely coordinating firefighting efforts, according to a Reuters witness. Asked for additional details, the Defense Ministry told Reuters in a statement that in all seven states that have asked for help, the military is planning operations to support firefighting initiatives already underway. Justice Minister Sergio Moro had also authorized a force of military police to assist in fighting the fires, with 30 sets to be sent from Brasilia to Porto Velho. The president's office posted to Twitter a photo of police officers on a plane bound for Rondonia set to arrive at noon. Environment Minister Ricardo Salles posted a video showing a caravan of yellow fire prevention trucks and other government vehicles, saying they were on the ground responding in Rondonia. Colombian President Ivan Duque said on Sunday he would seek a conservation pact with other Amazonian countries - first in bi-lateral meetings in Peru this week and then at the United Nations General Assembly. "Colombia wants to lead a pact, a conservation pact, between the countries that have Amazon territory," Duque said after meeting with an indigenous community in the Amazonian city of Leticia in southern Colombia. "We must understand the protection of our Mother Earth and our Amazon is a duty, a moral duty." The Amazon is the world's largest tropical rain forest and is seen as vital to the fight against climate change because of the vast amounts of carbon dioxide than it absorbs. The Amazon, which provides 20 per cent of the planet's oxygen, is home to an estimated one million indigenous people from up to 500 tribes as well some three million species of plants and animals, including jaguars, sloths, giant otters, river dolphins, howler monkeys, toucans, reptiles, frogs and insects. Brazilian climate scientist Carlos Nobre said he worries if 20-25 per cent of the ecosystem is destroyed that the Amazon could reach a tipping point, after which it would enter a self-sustaining period of dieback as the forest converts to savannah. Nobre warned that it is not far off with already 15-17 per cent of the rain forest having been destroyed.

Warplanes dump water on Amazon as Brazil military begins fighting fires

Protesters from indigenous communities and Greenpeace joined locals on the streets of Rio de Janeiro on Sunday to call on Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro to protect the Amazon rainforest. Chanting "Out Salles!" (Brazilian Environment Minister Ricardo Salles), the protesters also led a prayer for the Amazon. "We have a love for the Amazon, we have a love for planet Earth, we will not remain silent in face of this policy of indifference which puts profit above human dignity and above Mother Earth," said a protester holding a loudspeaker.

'It will affect the whole planet,' says protester in Rio march as Amazon fires rage on

Hundreds of new fires are raging in the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-indigenous-people-swear-to-fight-for-amazon-to-last-drop-of-blood-245334">Amazon rainforest in Brazil</a>, official data showed Saturday, as thousands of troops were made available to help fight the worst blazes in years following a global outcry.&nbsp;

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-eu-threatens-trade-retaliation-brazil-sends-army-to-fight-amazon-fires-245212">Multiple fires billowing huge plumes of smoke</a> into the air were seen across a vast area of the northwestern state of Rondonia on Friday when AFP journalists flew over the area.&nbsp;

Several residents in the capital, Porto Velho, told AFP on Saturday that what appeared to be light clouds hanging over the city of half a million people, was actually smoke from the blazes that had scorched swaths of land and left tree trunks smoldering on the ground.

"I'm very worried because of the environment and health," Delmara Conceicao Silva told AFP.&nbsp;

"I have a daughter with respiratory problems and she suffers more because of the fires."

The fires in the world's largest rainforest have triggered a global uproar, and are a major topic of concern at the G7 meeting in Biarritz in southern France.

Official figures show 78,383 forest fires have been recorded in Brazil this year, the highest number of any year since 2013. Experts say the clearing of land during the monthslong dry season to make way for crops or grazing, has aggravated the problem.&nbsp;

More than half of the fires are in the massive Amazon basin, where more than 20 million people live. Some 1,663 new fires were ignited between Thursday and Friday, according to Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE).&nbsp;

The new data came a day after <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-amazon-burns-brazils-jair-bolsonaro-tells-rest-of-world-not-to-interfere-244909">Bolsonaro</a> authorized deployment of the military to fight the fires and crack down on criminal activity.&nbsp;

Seven states, including Rondonia, have requested the army's help in the Amazon, where more than 43,000 troops are based and available to combat fires, officials said. Firefighters and planes are also being deployed.&nbsp;

Six aircraft, including two Hercules C-130s equipped to carry 12,000 liters (3,170 gallons) of water each, have been sent to Rondonia to fight the fires. They are expected to be joined by 30 firefighters on Sunday.

'Help is welcome'

US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, both attending the G7 summit, have offered their countries' assistance in fighting the fires.&nbsp;

"Any help is welcome in respect to the fires," Brazil's Defense Minister Fernando Azevedo e Silva told reporters on Saturday. &nbsp;

The blazes have stirred outrage globally, with thousands of people protesting in Brazil and Europe on Friday. More demonstrations are planned in Brazil on Sunday.&nbsp;

Earlier this week, Bolsonaro, whose anti-environment rhetoric since coming to power in January has been blamed for harming the Amazon and indigenous tribes, accused non-governmental organizations of deliberately starting the fires after their funding was cut.&nbsp;

The growing crisis threatens to torpedo a blockbuster trade deal between the European Union and South American countries, including Brazil, that took 20 years to negotiate.

EU Council president Donald Tusk told reporters at the G7 on Saturday that it was hard to imagine European countries ratifying a trade pact with the Mercosur bloc as long as Brazil fails to curb the fires ravaging the Amazon, which is known as the "lungs of the planet" because of its crucial role in mitigating climate change.&nbsp;

French President Emmanuel Macron, who has taken the lead in pressing his Brazilian counterpart over the fires, had earlier accused Bolsonaro of lying to him about Brazil's stance on climate change.&nbsp;

In an escalating war of words between the two leaders, Bolsonaro denounced what he calls Macron's "colonialist mentality."

Environmental specialists say the fires are coming amid increasing deforestation in the Amazon region, which in July took place at a rate four times that of the same month in 2018, according to data from INPE.&nbsp;

Bolsonaro has previously attacked the institute, describing its data as lies and engineering the sacking of its head.

On Friday, he insisted that the fires should not be used as an excuse to punish Brazil.&nbsp;

"There are forest fires all over the world, and this cannot be used as a pretext for possible international sanctions," Bolsonaro said.

Brazil's powerful agriculture sector -- which strongly supports Bolsonaro -- has expressed concerns over the president's rhetoric, fearing boycotts of their products in key markets.&nbsp;

In an editorial Saturday, the respected Folha de S.Paulo newspaper warned that Bolsonaro's "bravado" had worsened the crisis caused by accelerating deforestation.

"The damage to (Brazil's) image is done, and it could have important trade repercussions," it said.

"Nationalistic bravado will not win the game this time."&nbsp;

Hundreds of new fires are raging in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, official data showed Saturday, as thousands of troops were made available to help fight the worst blazes in years following a global outcry.

Hundreds of new fires are raging in the Amazon rainforest in Brazil, official data showed Saturday, as thousands of troops were made available to help fight the worst blazes in years following a global outcry. Multiple fires billowing huge plumes of smoke into the air were seen across a vast area of the northwestern state of Rondonia on Friday when AFP journalists flew over the area. Several residents in the capital, Porto Velho, told AFP on Saturday that what appeared to be light clouds hanging over the city of half a million people, was actually smoke from the blazes that had scorched swaths of land and left tree trunks smoldering on the ground. "I'm very worried because of the environment and health," Delmara Conceicao Silva told AFP. "I have a daughter with respiratory problems and she suffers more because of the fires." The fires in the world's largest rainforest have triggered a global uproar, and are a major topic of concern at the G7 meeting in Biarritz in southern France. Official figures show 78,383 forest fires have been recorded in Brazil this year, the highest number of any year since 2013. Experts say the clearing of land during the monthslong dry season to make way for crops or grazing, has aggravated the problem. More than half of the fires are in the massive Amazon basin, where more than 20 million people live. Some 1,663 new fires were ignited between Thursday and Friday, according to Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE). The new data came a day after Bolsonaro authorized deployment of the military to fight the fires and crack down on criminal activity. Seven states, including Rondonia, have requested the army's help in the Amazon, where more than 43,000 troops are based and available to combat fires, officials said. Firefighters and planes are also being deployed. Six aircraft, including two Hercules C-130s equipped to carry 12,000 liters (3,170 gallons) of water each, have been sent to Rondonia to fight the fires. They are expected to be joined by 30 firefighters on Sunday. 'Help is welcome' US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson, both attending the G7 summit, have offered their countries' assistance in fighting the fires. "Any help is welcome in respect to the fires," Brazil's Defense Minister Fernando Azevedo e Silva told reporters on Saturday. The blazes have stirred outrage globally, with thousands of people protesting in Brazil and Europe on Friday. More demonstrations are planned in Brazil on Sunday. Earlier this week, Bolsonaro, whose anti-environment rhetoric since coming to power in January has been blamed for harming the Amazon and indigenous tribes, accused non-governmental organizations of deliberately starting the fires after their funding was cut. The growing crisis threatens to torpedo a blockbuster trade deal between the European Union and South American countries, including Brazil, that took 20 years to negotiate. EU Council president Donald Tusk told reporters at the G7 on Saturday that it was hard to imagine European countries ratifying a trade pact with the Mercosur bloc as long as Brazil fails to curb the fires ravaging the Amazon, which is known as the "lungs of the planet" because of its crucial role in mitigating climate change. French President Emmanuel Macron, who has taken the lead in pressing his Brazilian counterpart over the fires, had earlier accused Bolsonaro of lying to him about Brazil's stance on climate change. In an escalating war of words between the two leaders, Bolsonaro denounced what he calls Macron's "colonialist mentality." Environmental specialists say the fires are coming amid increasing deforestation in the Amazon region, which in July took place at a rate four times that of the same month in 2018, according to data from INPE. Bolsonaro has previously attacked the institute, describing its data as lies and engineering the sacking of its head. On Friday, he insisted that the fires should not be used as an excuse to punish Brazil. "There are forest fires all over the world, and this cannot be used as a pretext for possible international sanctions," Bolsonaro said. Brazil's powerful agriculture sector -- which strongly supports Bolsonaro -- has expressed concerns over the president's rhetoric, fearing boycotts of their products in key markets. In an editorial Saturday, the respected Folha de S.Paulo newspaper warned that Bolsonaro's "bravado" had worsened the crisis caused by accelerating deforestation. "The damage to (Brazil's) image is done, and it could have important trade repercussions," it said. "Nationalistic bravado will not win the game this time."

Hundreds of new fires in Brazil as outrage over Amazon grows

Brazil on Sunday deployed two Hercules C-130 aircraft to douse fires devouring parts of the Amazon rainforest, as hundreds of new blazes were ignited ahead of nationwide protests over the destruction.

Brazil on Sunday deployed two Hercules C-130 aircraft to douse fires devouring parts of the Amazon rainforest, as hundreds of new blazes were ignited ahead of nationwide protests over the destruction. Heavy smoke covered the city of Porto Velho in the northwestern state of Rondonia where the defence ministry said the planes have started dumping thousands of litres of water, amid a global uproar over the worst fires in years. Swathes of the remote region bordering Bolivia have been scorched by the blazes, sending thick smoke billowing into the sky and increasing air pollution across the world's largest rainforest. Experts say increased land clearing during the months-long dry season to make way for crops or grazing has aggravated the problem this year. "It gets worse every year this year, the smoke has been really serious," Deliana Amorim, 46, told AFP in Porto Velho where half a million people live. At least seven states, including Rondonia, have requested the army's help in the Amazon, where more than 43,000 troops are based and available to combat fires, officials said. The fires have triggered a global outcry and are a major topic of concern at the G7 meeting in Biarritz in southern France. World leaders at the summit have agreed to help the countries affected by the fires "as fast as possible," French President Emmanuel Macron said Sunday. His remarks come amid an escalating war of words with his Brazilian counterpart Jair Bolsonaro, who he has accused of lying over Brazil's stance on climate change. Bolsonaro has denounced what he calls Macron's "colonialist mentality." Trade deal at risk The fires threaten to torpedo a huge trade agreement between the European Union and South American countries, including Brazil, that took 20 years to negotiate. Pope Francis on Sunday also voiced concern for the rainforest, which he described as a "vital" lung for the planet. The latest official figures show 79,513 forest fires have been recorded in Brazil this year, the highest number of any year since 2013. More than half of the fires are in the massive Amazon basin, where more than 20 million people live. Some 1,130 new fires were ignited between Friday and Saturday, according to Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE). The new data come as protesters plan to take to the streets across Brazil on Sunday after thousands held demonstrations in the country and Europe on Friday.

Brazil's army fights Amazon fires after hundreds of new blazes ignite

Six states in Brazil's Amazon region requested military help on Saturday to combat record fires that are tearing through the rainforest, provoking an international outcry because of the Amazon's central role in combating global warming.

The states of Para, Rondonia, Roraima, Tocantins, Acre and Mato Grosso - out of the region's nine - have requested military assistance, according to a spokeswoman for the president's office, a day after President Jair Bolsonaro authorized the military to step in. 
&nbsp; 
The Amazon is the world's largest tropical rainforest and its protection is seen as vital to the fight against climate change because of the vast amounts of carbon dioxide it absorbs.

Brazil has 44,000 troops stationed in its northern Amazon region that are available to combat forest fires and could send more from elsewhere in the country, said Raul Botelho, the joint chief of staff for the country's military.

In a briefing with reporters, Botelho and other officials did not say how many troops would be involved and gave few operational details of how they would be used and where.

Defense Minister Fernando Azevedo said forces would be concentrated in certain areas depending on the individual mission.&nbsp;

For example, in Porto Velho in Rondonia state, two planes would be made available that can carry 12,000 litres of water mixed with fire retardant, as well as an infantry brigade, river patrol forces and the local office of the Defense Ministry's Amazon monitoring unit, he said.

On Saturday, fewer than 50 personnel will be sent from Brasilia to Porto Velho in Rondonia state to support operations there, including 30 firefighters and 18 communications specialists, Botelho said.

Alfredo Sirkis, executive director of think tank Brazil Climate Center and a founder of Brazil's Green Party, said while he supported military involvement, he doubted that anyone would be able to put out the existing fires.

"Once you have a huge forest fire like that, especially when you don`t have all the kind of forest fire-fighting equipment that you have in places like the US or Portugal, it`s difficult to extinguish," he said.&nbsp;

"They'll only be extinguished by themselves depending on the weather conditions."

The military can help to prevent additional forest fires by enforcing environmental laws and stopping people from setting the fires, Sirkis said.&nbsp;

Environmentalists have said that farmers clearing land for pasture were responsible for the uptick in fires.&nbsp;

Similarly, Sirkis blamed the fires on speculators seeking to clear the land they hope to later sell for farming, saying they have been emboldened by Bolsonaro's strong rhetoric in favour of the development of the Amazon region.

Bolsonaro enraged critics on Wednesday when he accused non-governmental organizations of burning down the Amazon rainforest to hurt his government.&nbsp;

But on Thursday he admitted for the first time that farmers might be involved in lighting fires in the region.

Six states in Brazil's Amazon region requested military help on Saturday to combat record fires that are tearing through the rainforest, provoking an international outcry because of the Amazon's central role in combating global warming.

Six states in Brazil's Amazon region requested military help on Saturday to combat record fires that are tearing through the rainforest, provoking an international outcry because of the Amazon's central role in combating global warming. The states of Para, Rondonia, Roraima, Tocantins, Acre and Mato Grosso - out of the region's nine - have requested military assistance, according to a spokeswoman for the president's office, a day after President Jair Bolsonaro authorized the military to step in. The Amazon is the world's largest tropical rainforest and its protection is seen as vital to the fight against climate change because of the vast amounts of carbon dioxide it absorbs. Brazil has 44,000 troops stationed in its northern Amazon region that are available to combat forest fires and could send more from elsewhere in the country, said Raul Botelho, the joint chief of staff for the country's military. In a briefing with reporters, Botelho and other officials did not say how many troops would be involved and gave few operational details of how they would be used and where. Defense Minister Fernando Azevedo said forces would be concentrated in certain areas depending on the individual mission. For example, in Porto Velho in Rondonia state, two planes would be made available that can carry 12,000 litres of water mixed with fire retardant, as well as an infantry brigade, river patrol forces and the local office of the Defense Ministry's Amazon monitoring unit, he said. On Saturday, fewer than 50 personnel will be sent from Brasilia to Porto Velho in Rondonia state to support operations there, including 30 firefighters and 18 communications specialists, Botelho said. Alfredo Sirkis, executive director of think tank Brazil Climate Center and a founder of Brazil's Green Party, said while he supported military involvement, he doubted that anyone would be able to put out the existing fires. "Once you have a huge forest fire like that, especially when you don`t have all the kind of forest fire-fighting equipment that you have in places like the US or Portugal, it`s difficult to extinguish," he said. "They'll only be extinguished by themselves depending on the weather conditions." The military can help to prevent additional forest fires by enforcing environmental laws and stopping people from setting the fires, Sirkis said. Environmentalists have said that farmers clearing land for pasture were responsible for the uptick in fires. Similarly, Sirkis blamed the fires on speculators seeking to clear the land they hope to later sell for farming, saying they have been emboldened by Bolsonaro's strong rhetoric in favour of the development of the Amazon region. Bolsonaro enraged critics on Wednesday when he accused non-governmental organizations of burning down the Amazon rainforest to hurt his government. But on Thursday he admitted for the first time that farmers might be involved in lighting fires in the region.

Brazilian states ask for military help as Amazon fires rage

Thousands protested outside Brazil's embassies across Latin America on Friday calling for great protection for the Amazon amidst raging wildfires. Brazilian expats joined locals in Mexico City to denounce right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro's handling of the fires.

Thousands protested outside Brazil's embassies across Latin America on Friday calling for great protection for the Amazon amidst raging wildfires. Brazilian expats joined locals in Mexico City to denounce right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro's handling of the fires. Similar scenes were repeated in Santiago, Chile and Quito, Ecuador. Brazil shares the Amazon with other Latin American nations such as Peru, Colombia, Venezuela, Ecuador and Bolivia. Protesters blame Bolsonaro for undermining protection of the world's largest tropical rainforest and turning a blind eye to illegal deforestation by farmers and land grabbers. The wildfires have sparked international criticism of Bolsonaro's handling of the destruction of the rainforest, which produces more than 20% of the oxygen in the Earth's atmosphere and is considered a vital brake on climate change. Bolsonaro has vowed to open up the Amazon region to more agriculture and mining, even on indigenous reservations that are seen as the most protected parts of the rainforest. This week French President Emmanuel Macron and U.N. Secretary General Antonio Guterres expressed concerns about wildfires that are raging in the Amazon, but Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has responded angrily to international pressure as meddling.

Thousands protest across Latin America against Bolsonaro's handling of Amazon amid raging wildfires

United States President Donald Trump called <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/as-eu-threatens-trade-retaliation-brazil-sends-army-to-fight-amazon-fires-245212">Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro </a>on Friday (local time) and offered assistance, if needed, to tackle the raging wildfires in the Amazon rainforest.

"Just spoke with President @JairBolsonaro of Brazil. Our future Trade prospects are very exciting and our relationship is strong, perhaps stronger than ever before. I told him if the United States can help with the Amazon Rainforest fires, we stand ready to assist!" the president tweeted.

The far-right leader told reporters on Friday that he was inclined to deploy the troops using a presidential decree.&nbsp;

Brazil`s environmental agency, IBAMA, is also hiring hundreds of temporary firefighters to help fight the fires, CNN reported after quoting the agency on Friday.

The announcement came as political, civil society leaders and celebrities around the world stepped up their pressure on the Brazilian government over the blazing rainforest.

France and Ireland said they would block a trade deal between the European Union and Mercosur, the economic and political bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, unless Brazil takes action on the Amazon forest.

French President Emmanuel Macron called the Amazon wildfires an "international crisis" that needed to be on the agenda at the G7 summit in Biarritz.

Bolsonaro denounced Macron`s offer as "sensationalist" and accused him of using the fires for "political gain."

Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reiterated Macron's stance and said international cooperation is needed to protect rainforests.&nbsp;

United States President Donald Trump called Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Friday (local time) and offered assistance, if needed, to tackle the raging wildfires in the Amazon rainforest.

United States President Donald Trump called Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on Friday (local time) and offered assistance, if needed, to tackle the raging wildfires in the Amazon rainforest. "Just spoke with President @JairBolsonaro of Brazil. Our future Trade prospects are very exciting and our relationship is strong, perhaps stronger than ever before. I told him if the United States can help with the Amazon Rainforest fires, we stand ready to assist!" the president tweeted. The far-right leader told reporters on Friday that he was inclined to deploy the troops using a presidential decree. Brazil`s environmental agency, IBAMA, is also hiring hundreds of temporary firefighters to help fight the fires, CNN reported after quoting the agency on Friday. The announcement came as political, civil society leaders and celebrities around the world stepped up their pressure on the Brazilian government over the blazing rainforest. France and Ireland said they would block a trade deal between the European Union and Mercosur, the economic and political bloc comprising Argentina, Brazil, Paraguay and Uruguay, unless Brazil takes action on the Amazon forest. French President Emmanuel Macron called the Amazon wildfires an "international crisis" that needed to be on the agenda at the G7 summit in Biarritz. Bolsonaro denounced Macron`s offer as "sensationalist" and accused him of using the fires for "political gain." Meanwhile, British Prime Minister Boris Johnson has reiterated Macron's stance and said international cooperation is needed to protect rainforests.

Trump calls Brazil President, offers assistance in tackling Amazon rainforest fires

European leaders on Friday threatened to tear up a trade deal with South America, reflecting growing international anger at Brazil as a record number of fires in the Amazon rainforest intensified an unfolding environmental crisis.

European leaders on Friday threatened to tear up a trade deal with South America, reflecting growing international anger at Brazil as a record number of fires in the Amazon rainforest intensified an unfolding environmental crisis. Amid a global chorus of concern and condemnation, Brazil's right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro pledged in an address to the nation to mobilise the army to help combat the blazes, while his administration launched a diplomatic charm offensive to try to mend bridges overseas. Forest fires in the Brazilian Amazon, which accounts for more than half of the world's largest rainforest, have surged in number by 83% this year, according to government data, destroying vast swathes of a vital bulwark against global climate change. French President Emmanuel Macron called for G7 leaders to discuss the environmental crisis in Brazil at a summit this weekend in the French coastal resort of Biarritz. Both France and Ireland threatened to oppose an EU trade deal struck in June with a regional South American bloc following Brazil's response. Images of fires raging in the Amazon broadcast around the globe sparked protests outside Brazilian embassies from Mexico City and Lima to London and Paris. In the Cypriot capital Nicosia, a sign tied to the railings of Brazil's diplomatic mission read: "The Amazon belongs to Earth not to the Brazilian president." Bolsonaro, who initially accused non-governmental organisations of setting the forest on fire without providing any evidence, said in a televised address he had authorised the use of troops to fight the fires and stop illegal deforestation in the Amazon. But the former military officer attributed the scale of the fires to drier-than-average weather and insisted on the need for economic development of the Amazon to improve the lives of its 20 million inhabitants. Environmentalists have warned that his controversial plans for more agriculture and mining in the region will speed up deforestation. "We have to give the population the opportunity to develop and my government is working for that, with zero tolerance for crime - and that is no different for the environment," Bolsonaro said in his televised speech. Polls show Brazilians overwhelmingly oppose his policy on the environment and as he spoke to the nation, residents in large cities across Brazil banged on pots and pans in a traditional Latin American form of protest. US President Donald Trump - whose sceptical views on climate change Bolsonaro shares - called the Brazilian president to offer help, if needed, in dealing with the wildfires. "I told him if the United States can help with the Amazon rainforest fires, we stand ready to assist!" Trump said in a post on Twitter.

As European Union threatens trade retaliation, Brazil sends army to fight Amazon fires

The number of forest fires in Brazil surged in the first eight months of 2019, official data show, as President Jair Bolsonaro faces growing criticism over rampant destruction of the Amazon.

The number of forest fires in Brazil surged in the first eight months of 2019, official data show, as President Jair Bolsonaro faces growing criticism over rampant destruction of the Amazon. Nearly 73,000 fires were recorded between January and August, compared with 39,759 in all of 2018, the embattled National Institute for Space Research (INPE) said late Monday. That is the highest number of forest fires for any year since 2013 and follows two years of declines. "What we are seeing is a consequence of the increase in deforestation seen in recent figures," said Ricardo Mello of WWF's Amazon Program. Forest fires tend to intensify during the dry season, which usually ends in late October or early November, as land is cleared to make way for crops or grazing. The INPE figures show fires have been concentrated in states occupying the Amazon. Thick smoke has blanketed several cities in recent days and even caused a commercial flight to be diverted. The data comes as Bolsonaro faces growing criticism over his anti-environment rhetoric, which activists blame for emboldening loggers, miners and farmers in the Amazon. Norway on Thursday joined Germany in halting Amazon protection subsidies, accusing Brazil of turning its back on the fight against deforestation. The governors of nine states spanning the Amazon also published a statement on Sunday saying they would negotiate directly with the Amazon Fund contributors. The latest INPE figures coincide with a UN regional meeting on climate change in Brazil ahead of December's summit in Chile. INPE is already in Bolsonaro's crosshairs over data showing a surge in deforestation in recent months. Bolsonaro dismissed the figures as lies and sacked the head of the agency tasked with tracking forest clearing. Brazil leads the region in forest fires this year, according to the INPE data that is collected via satellite and updated in real-time. Venezuela ranked second with 26,453 fires and Bolivia with 16,101.

Forest fires in Brazil surge as deforestation accelerates

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-vows-to-fight-illegal-deforestation-in-brazil-240639">Deforestation in Brazil's rainforest</a> has jumped around 67 per cent in the first seven months of the year, according to preliminary data from Brazil's space research agency, which the government has attacked as misleading and harmful to the national interest.

The monitoring system registered destruction of 2,255 square kilometres (557,223 acres) of the Amazon forest in July, more than triple the 597 square kilometres spotted on July 2018, according to National Institute for Space Research (INPE). That is nearly the landmass of Luxembourg and the most monthly deforestation registered by INPE in years.

The Amazon is the world's largest tropical rainforest, a bulwark against global warming often called the "lungs of the world" because of the vast amounts of carbon it soaks up. Brazil contains roughly 60 per cent of the rainforest.

Environmentalists and researchers<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jair-bolsonaro-defends-child-labour-in-brazil-sparking-outcry-233674"> blame President Jair Bolsonaro's</a> rhetoric in favour of economic development in the Amazon for emboldening loggers, ranchers, and informal miners since he assumed office in January.

Bolsonaro has vehemently criticized the data from INPE and fired the head of the agency on Friday over what he called "lies" that hurt the country's trade talks.

"News like this that does not match the truth causes great damage to the image of Brazil," Bolsonaro said in a press conference last week.

However, the space research agency, independent scientists and environmentalists have defended the data as accurate.&nbsp;

Fired INPE director Ricardo Galvao told Reuters on Saturday that he continued to defend the figures as showing an "undeniable" spike in deforestation.

Due to cloud cover and other factors, deforestation registered in a certain month may have happened in a prior month, Environment Minister Ricardo Salles said last week.&nbsp;

At a news conference with Bolsonaro, the minister suggested that discrepancies of that kind made it impossible to trust the data.

Salles said deforestation should only be measured with more exact annual figures, published in the so-called PRODES data series, instead of the rapid-response DETER data, which is updated almost daily.

Yet comparing longer periods - the first seven months of the year, for example - virtually eliminates concerns over when the deforestation took place, according to Tasso Azevedo, coordinator of geographic initiative MapBiomas.&nbsp;

MapBiomas is a collaboration between universities, non-profit groups and technology companies to monitor deforestation, drawing from several different sources including INPE data.

Tasso called the government criticism of the DETER data baseless, estimating its accuracy at more than 90 per cent.

Sharp rises in the rapid-response data have consistently corresponded with an increase in the year-end figure, he added.

The annual PRODES figures have always shown even worse deforestation than detected by the faster DETER data over the past decade.

"Why does (Salles) spend so much time trying to say that the alerts happened earlier or later when he could use the same time to take some action," Azevedo said.

"Instead of indicating what they're doing to reduce deforestation, they're criticizing the deforestation data."&nbsp; 
&nbsp;

Deforestation in Brazil's rainforest has jumped around 67 per cent in the first seven months of the year, according to preliminary data from Brazil's space research agency, which the government has attacked as misleading and harmful to the national interest.

Deforestation in Brazil's rainforest has jumped around 67 per cent in the first seven months of the year, according to preliminary data from Brazil's space research agency, which the government has attacked as misleading and harmful to the national interest. The monitoring system registered destruction of 2,255 square kilometres (557,223 acres) of the Amazon forest in July, more than triple the 597 square kilometres spotted on July 2018, according to National Institute for Space Research (INPE). That is nearly the landmass of Luxembourg and the most monthly deforestation registered by INPE in years. The Amazon is the world's largest tropical rainforest, a bulwark against global warming often called the "lungs of the world" because of the vast amounts of carbon it soaks up. Brazil contains roughly 60 per cent of the rainforest. Environmentalists and researchers blame President Jair Bolsonaro's rhetoric in favour of economic development in the Amazon for emboldening loggers, ranchers, and informal miners since he assumed office in January. Bolsonaro has vehemently criticized the data from INPE and fired the head of the agency on Friday over what he called "lies" that hurt the country's trade talks. "News like this that does not match the truth causes great damage to the image of Brazil," Bolsonaro said in a press conference last week. However, the space research agency, independent scientists and environmentalists have defended the data as accurate. Fired INPE director Ricardo Galvao told Reuters on Saturday that he continued to defend the figures as showing an "undeniable" spike in deforestation. Due to cloud cover and other factors, deforestation registered in a certain month may have happened in a prior month, Environment Minister Ricardo Salles said last week. At a news conference with Bolsonaro, the minister suggested that discrepancies of that kind made it impossible to trust the data. Salles said deforestation should only be measured with more exact annual figures, published in the so-called PRODES data series, instead of the rapid-response DETER data, which is updated almost daily. Yet comparing longer periods - the first seven months of the year, for example - virtually eliminates concerns over when the deforestation took place, according to Tasso Azevedo, coordinator of geographic initiative MapBiomas. MapBiomas is a collaboration between universities, non-profit groups and technology companies to monitor deforestation, drawing from several different sources including INPE data. Tasso called the government criticism of the DETER data baseless, estimating its accuracy at more than 90 per cent. Sharp rises in the rapid-response data have consistently corresponded with an increase in the year-end figure, he added. The annual PRODES figures have always shown even worse deforestation than detected by the faster DETER data over the past decade. "Why does (Salles) spend so much time trying to say that the alerts happened earlier or later when he could use the same time to take some action," Azevedo said. "Instead of indicating what they're doing to reduce deforestation, they're criticizing the deforestation data."

Brazil deforestation climbs 67% through July as government attacks data

Brazil's<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-says-claims-of-hunger-in-brazil-a-big-lie-237226"> President Jair Bolsonaro</a> vowed Saturday to combat "illegal deforestation," a day after the head of the agency that measures deforestation said he was being sacked after a row over the scale of the problem in the Amazon rainforest.

"We are going to act effectively in the fight against illegal deforestation," Bolsonaro wrote on his Facebook account, along with a video in which environment minister Ricardo Salles said the government would bring in new technology to measure deforestation with greater precision.

A day earlier, the head of Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE), Ricardo Galvao, said he was being sacked after a row with Bolsonaro over deforestation.

Bolsonaro, a climate change sceptic, claimed the INPE figures "don't correspond to the truth" and were damaging to the institute and the country.

The president has previously floated the idea of opening up protected rainforest areas to agriculture, a highly controversial move given the existing level of deforestation.

"We cannot accept sensationalism or the disclosure of inaccurate numbers that cause great damage to Brazil's image," Bolsonaro said, reiterating comments from his row over the INPE figures.&nbsp;

The latest data released by INPE, an institution of international repute, shows that deforestation has increased 40 per cent in the last two months compared to the same period a year ago.

On Thursday, Bolsonaro, Salles and other ministers had refuted the INPE satellite data and said the methodologies for measuring deforestation would be changed.

The government admits <a href="https://www.wionews.com/photos/under-brazils-jair-bolsonaro-rule-amazon-deforestation-accelerates-239233#may-reach-its-tipping-point-239239">deforestation</a> has increased but insists it is not as great as indicated by the agency.

The sacking of Galvao fueled criticism from environmental groups.

"Bolsonaro knows that his government is primarily responsible for the current destruction of the Amazon. The dismissal of the director of INPE is nothing more than an act of revenge against those who show the truth," said Marcio Astrini from Greenpeace.

For many years, NGOs defending the environment and the territorial rights of indigenous people have criticized the agriculture industry and major landowners for constantly trying to expand into virgin lands, including those protected by law.

Bolsonaro, though, was helped in his election last year by support from the powerful agriculture lobby.

The president suffered a blow on Thursday when the Supreme Court cancelled a decree transferring the right to demarcate indigenous lands from the National Indian Foundation to the Ministry of Agriculture, a bulwark of the agriculture industry's interests. 
&nbsp;

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro vowed Saturday to combat "illegal deforestation," a day after the head of the agency that measures deforestation said he was being sacked after a row over the scale of the problem in the Amazon rainforest.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro vowed Saturday to combat "illegal deforestation," a day after the head of the agency that measures deforestation said he was being sacked after a row over the scale of the problem in the Amazon rainforest. "We are going to act effectively in the fight against illegal deforestation," Bolsonaro wrote on his Facebook account, along with a video in which environment minister Ricardo Salles said the government would bring in new technology to measure deforestation with greater precision. A day earlier, the head of Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE), Ricardo Galvao, said he was being sacked after a row with Bolsonaro over deforestation. Bolsonaro, a climate change sceptic, claimed the INPE figures "don't correspond to the truth" and were damaging to the institute and the country. The president has previously floated the idea of opening up protected rainforest areas to agriculture, a highly controversial move given the existing level of deforestation. "We cannot accept sensationalism or the disclosure of inaccurate numbers that cause great damage to Brazil's image," Bolsonaro said, reiterating comments from his row over the INPE figures. The latest data released by INPE, an institution of international repute, shows that deforestation has increased 40 per cent in the last two months compared to the same period a year ago. On Thursday, Bolsonaro, Salles and other ministers had refuted the INPE satellite data and said the methodologies for measuring deforestation would be changed. The government admits deforestation has increased but insists it is not as great as indicated by the agency. The sacking of Galvao fueled criticism from environmental groups. "Bolsonaro knows that his government is primarily responsible for the current destruction of the Amazon. The dismissal of the director of INPE is nothing more than an act of revenge against those who show the truth," said Marcio Astrini from Greenpeace. For many years, NGOs defending the environment and the territorial rights of indigenous people have criticized the agriculture industry and major landowners for constantly trying to expand into virgin lands, including those protected by law. Bolsonaro, though, was helped in his election last year by support from the powerful agriculture lobby. The president suffered a blow on Thursday when the Supreme Court cancelled a decree transferring the right to demarcate indigenous lands from the National Indian Foundation to the Ministry of Agriculture, a bulwark of the agriculture industry's interests.

President Jair Bolsonaro vows to fight 'illegal deforestation' in Brazil

The video was taken in the northern state of Maranhao and shows a man holding a large knife in the rainforest. He holds up the blade to his face before looking towards the person filming him. The video also shows spears amongst trees and bushes in the forest, indicating other tribe members were also present.

Rare Amazon tribe caught on tape in Brazil as loggers move in

A bloody clash between two prison gangs on Monday left at <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/riot-at-altamira-jail-in-brazil-leaves-52-dead-16-decapitated-239313">least 57 inmates dead </a>with 16 of them decapitated, authorities in the state of Para said, the latest deadly clash as Brazil's government struggles to control the country's overcrowded jails.

State authorities said the riot began around 7 am local time (1000 GMT) at a prison in the northern city of Altamira, and involved rival gangs.

Prisoners belonging to the Comando Classe A gang set fire to a cell containing inmates from the <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-between-prisoners-in-brazil-jail-leave-15-dead-official-221848">rival Comando Vermelho</a>, or Red Command, gang, Para's state government said in a statement.

Most of the dead died in the fire, they said, while two guards were taken hostage, but later released.

"It was a targeted act," state prison director Jarbas Vasconcelos said in the statement, adding there was no prior intelligence that suggested an attack would take place.

"The aim was to show that it was a settling of accounts between the two gangs."

Videos circulating online showed inmates at the prison celebrating as they kicked decapitated heads across the floor.&nbsp;

Elected on a tough-on-crime message, far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has benefited from a sharp drop in homicides so far this year. Nonetheless, endemic prison violence has been a stubborn public security challenge in one of the world's most violent countries.

In May, at least 55 inmates died during prison attacks in the northern state of Amazonas. Weeks of violence in Amazonas in 2017 resulted in 150 prison deaths as local gangs backed by Brazil's two largest drug factions went to war.

Brazil's justice ministry said in a statement that it was working with Para authorities to identify those behind the latest attack, adding it had opened some space in the federal prison system where those gang leaders would be transferred.

Brazil's incarcerated population has surged eight-fold in three decades to around 750,000 inmates, the world's third-highest tally. Prison gangs originally formed to protect inmates and advocate for better conditions, but have come to wield vast power that reaches far beyond prison walls.

The gangs have been linked to bank heists, drug trafficking and gun-running, with jailed kingpins presiding over criminal empires via smuggled cellphones.

The Comando Classe A gang is seen as a relatively small gang, and is little known outside Para. Its high-profile attack against the Red Command could give it a nationwide reputation.

Bolsonaro's government has proposed moving powerful incarcerated drug lords to federal lockups, and building more prisons at the state level. But with the vast majority of prisons run by Brazil's overstretched state governments, Bolsonaro is likely limited in terms of what he can achieve from Brasilia.

In February, Justice Minister Sergio Moro unveiled his signature crime-fighting bill, including proposals to toughen prison sentences and isolate gang leaders in maximum-security lockups.

That bill has since struggled in Congress, with the government giving its pension reform legislation priority.

A bloody clash between two prison gangs on Monday left at least 57 inmates dead with 16 of them decapitated, authorities in the state of Para said, the latest deadly clash as Brazil's government struggles to control the country's overcrowded jails.

A bloody clash between two prison gangs on Monday left at least 57 inmates dead with 16 of them decapitated, authorities in the state of Para said, the latest deadly clash as Brazil's government struggles to control the country's overcrowded jails. State authorities said the riot began around 7 am local time (1000 GMT) at a prison in the northern city of Altamira, and involved rival gangs. Prisoners belonging to the Comando Classe A gang set fire to a cell containing inmates from the rival Comando Vermelho, or Red Command, gang, Para's state government said in a statement. Most of the dead died in the fire, they said, while two guards were taken hostage, but later released. "It was a targeted act," state prison director Jarbas Vasconcelos said in the statement, adding there was no prior intelligence that suggested an attack would take place. "The aim was to show that it was a settling of accounts between the two gangs." Videos circulating online showed inmates at the prison celebrating as they kicked decapitated heads across the floor. Elected on a tough-on-crime message, far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has benefited from a sharp drop in homicides so far this year. Nonetheless, endemic prison violence has been a stubborn public security challenge in one of the world's most violent countries. In May, at least 55 inmates died during prison attacks in the northern state of Amazonas. Weeks of violence in Amazonas in 2017 resulted in 150 prison deaths as local gangs backed by Brazil's two largest drug factions went to war. Brazil's justice ministry said in a statement that it was working with Para authorities to identify those behind the latest attack, adding it had opened some space in the federal prison system where those gang leaders would be transferred. Brazil's incarcerated population has surged eight-fold in three decades to around 750,000 inmates, the world's third-highest tally. Prison gangs originally formed to protect inmates and advocate for better conditions, but have come to wield vast power that reaches far beyond prison walls. The gangs have been linked to bank heists, drug trafficking and gun-running, with jailed kingpins presiding over criminal empires via smuggled cellphones. The Comando Classe A gang is seen as a relatively small gang, and is little known outside Para. Its high-profile attack against the Red Command could give it a nationwide reputation. Bolsonaro's government has proposed moving powerful incarcerated drug lords to federal lockups, and building more prisons at the state level. But with the vast majority of prisons run by Brazil's overstretched state governments, Bolsonaro is likely limited in terms of what he can achieve from Brasilia. In February, Justice Minister Sergio Moro unveiled his signature crime-fighting bill, including proposals to toughen prison sentences and isolate gang leaders in maximum-security lockups. That bill has since struggled in Congress, with the government giving its pension reform legislation priority.

Death toll in Brazil prison massacre rises to 57; several decapitated

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said Friday there was no hunger in the country, citing the lack of rail-thin poor people in the streets as proof.

Speaking to foreign journalists, Bolsonaro blamed "populists" for propagating "a big lie" that some of Brazil's 209 million people did not have enough to eat.

"There is no hunger," the far-right leader said, noting Brazil "was rich in practically every type of crop".&nbsp;

"You don't see poor people in the street with bone-thin bodies like in other countries.

"To say that there is hunger in Brazil is a populist discourse to try to win popular sympathy, nothing more than that."

But after widespread coverage of his remarks &nbsp;and social media criticism, Bolsonaro backtracked, saying that "Brazilians eat poorly. And some people are hungry.

"And that is unacceptable in a country as rich as ours, with as much arable land as we have and more than enough water."&nbsp;

But "we have diet problems here in Brazil. We have them, it's not my fault, and that was here before I was," Bolsonaro stressed.

Often dubbed the "Trump of the tropics," Bolsonaro slammed the reporting as "fake news."

Latest figures from the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization show 5.1 million Brazilians are "undernourished."&nbsp;

But the proportion of the population suffering had fallen to less than 2.5 percent between 2008 and 2010, compared with 11.9 percent in the 1999-2001 period.&nbsp;

The FAO attributed the decline to social welfare programs introduced by the leftwing government of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, including the Zero Hunger campaign.

In a recent interview with O Globo, Rodrigo Maia, the powerful head of the lower chamber of Congress, accused Bolsonaro of showing no concern for the poor.&nbsp;

What deforestation?&nbsp;

Bolsonaro also told the foreign journalists that he was skeptical of reports of increased deforestation of the Amazon rainforest.

The president is suspicious of foreign interest in the rainforest, seeing control of the region as an issue of national sovereignty.

"With all the devastation that you are accusing us of doing ... the Amazon region would already have been extinguished," he told the reporters.

However according to Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE), satellite data shows Amazon rainforest deforestation has increased 88 percent in June compared to the same period one year earlier.

Bolsonaro said he has called on the head of INPE "to come to Brasilia to explain the data that was released to the press."

Furthermore, Bolsonaro slammed as "disinformation" news that Brazilian farmers are heavy users of toxic pesticides -- an issue that could create problems for a free trade agreement between the South American Mercosur trade bloc and the European Union.

"Brazil is the country that least uses toxic pesticides because if we were selling poison, you wouldn't be buying. I'm surprised by this disinformation," he said.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said Friday there was no hunger in the country, citing the lack of rail-thin poor people in the streets as proof. Speaking to foreign journalists, Bolsonaro blamed "populists" for propagating "a big lie" that some of Brazil's 209 million people did not have enough to eat.

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro said Friday there was no hunger in the country, citing the lack of rail-thin poor people in the streets as proof. Speaking to foreign journalists, Bolsonaro blamed "populists" for propagating "a big lie" that some of Brazil's 209 million people did not have enough to eat. "There is no hunger," the far-right leader said, noting Brazil "was rich in practically every type of crop". "You don't see poor people in the street with bone-thin bodies like in other countries. "To say that there is hunger in Brazil is a populist discourse to try to win popular sympathy, nothing more than that." But after widespread coverage of his remarks and social media criticism, Bolsonaro backtracked, saying that "Brazilians eat poorly. And some people are hungry. "And that is unacceptable in a country as rich as ours, with as much arable land as we have and more than enough water." But "we have diet problems here in Brazil. We have them, it's not my fault, and that was here before I was," Bolsonaro stressed. Often dubbed the "Trump of the tropics," Bolsonaro slammed the reporting as "fake news." Latest figures from the UN's Food and Agriculture Organization show 5.1 million Brazilians are "undernourished." But the proportion of the population suffering had fallen to less than 2.5 percent between 2008 and 2010, compared with 11.9 percent in the 1999-2001 period. The FAO attributed the decline to social welfare programs introduced by the leftwing government of former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, including the Zero Hunger campaign. In a recent interview with O Globo, Rodrigo Maia, the powerful head of the lower chamber of Congress, accused Bolsonaro of showing no concern for the poor. What deforestation? Bolsonaro also told the foreign journalists that he was skeptical of reports of increased deforestation of the Amazon rainforest. The president is suspicious of foreign interest in the rainforest, seeing control of the region as an issue of national sovereignty. "With all the devastation that you are accusing us of doing ... the Amazon region would already have been extinguished," he told the reporters. However according to Brazil's National Institute for Space Research (INPE), satellite data shows Amazon rainforest deforestation has increased 88 percent in June compared to the same period one year earlier. Bolsonaro said he has called on the head of INPE "to come to Brasilia to explain the data that was released to the press." Furthermore, Bolsonaro slammed as "disinformation" news that Brazilian farmers are heavy users of toxic pesticides -- an issue that could create problems for a free trade agreement between the South American Mercosur trade bloc and the European Union. "Brazil is the country that least uses toxic pesticides because if we were selling poison, you wouldn't be buying. I'm surprised by this disinformation," he said.

Bolsonaro says claims of hunger in Brazil 'a big lie'

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday he had invited his son Eduardo to become ambassador to the United States, underscoring his family's influential role in the country's diplomacy and domestic politics.

Bolsonaro said the appointment hinges on acceptance by Eduardo, currently a federal congressman.

"The decision is his," Bolsonaro told journalists as he left an event in Brasilia. "I don't want to decide his future for him, if the legislation says he has to renounce his position."

The far-right Brazilian president, who said his campaign last year was inspired by US President Donald Trump, has made friendly overtures to the American leader and made similar use of family members as official advisers.

Bolsonaro's eldest son, Flavio, is advancing his conservative social agenda as a senator.

Carlos Bolsonaro, another son of the president and a Rio de Janeiro city councilman, has taken an active role in his father's social media communications and stirred controversy by attacking members of the Brazilian cabinet.

Eduardo, the third of the president's four sons and a daughter from three marriages, has counselled his father on foreign affairs. After Jair Bolsonaro was elected in October, Eduardo was one of his first envoys to Washington, where he met with Trump's son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner and was spotted wearing a "Trump 2020" cap.

Former Trump advisor Steve Bannon named Eduardo the Latin American leader of his right-wing nationalist organization "The Movement."

During Bolsonaro's White House visit in March, Trump heaped praise on Eduardo, who sat by his father during an Oval Office chat while Brazil's foreign minister and ambassador in Washington were nowhere to be seen.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday he had invited his son Eduardo to become ambassador to the United States, underscoring his family's influential role in the country's diplomacy and domestic politics.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Thursday he had invited his son Eduardo to become ambassador to the United States, underscoring his family's influential role in the country's diplomacy and domestic politics. Bolsonaro said the appointment hinges on acceptance by Eduardo, currently a federal congressman. "The decision is his," Bolsonaro told journalists as he left an event in Brasilia. "I don't want to decide his future for him, if the legislation says he has to renounce his position." The far-right Brazilian president, who said his campaign last year was inspired by US President Donald Trump, has made friendly overtures to the American leader and made similar use of family members as official advisers. Bolsonaro's eldest son, Flavio, is advancing his conservative social agenda as a senator. Carlos Bolsonaro, another son of the president and a Rio de Janeiro city councilman, has taken an active role in his father's social media communications and stirred controversy by attacking members of the Brazilian cabinet. Eduardo, the third of the president's four sons and a daughter from three marriages, has counselled his father on foreign affairs. After Jair Bolsonaro was elected in October, Eduardo was one of his first envoys to Washington, where he met with Trump's son-in-law and adviser Jared Kushner and was spotted wearing a "Trump 2020" cap. Former Trump advisor Steve Bannon named Eduardo the Latin American leader of his right-wing nationalist organization "The Movement." During Bolsonaro's White House visit in March, Trump heaped praise on Eduardo, who sat by his father during an Oval Office chat while Brazil's foreign minister and ambassador in Washington were nowhere to be seen.

Brazil's Bolsonaro offers his son US ambassador post

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