<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/france-iran-to-resume-talks-over-nuclear-deal-and-its-consequences-233670">France, Iran to resume talks over nuclear deal and its consequences</a>

French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday told his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani of his "strong concern over the risk of weakening the nuclear agreement" and of the consequences that would follow, his office announced.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/gas-explosion-at-us-mall-in-florida-injures-21-233671">Gas explosion at US mall in Florida injures 21</a>

A powerful explosion from a suspected gas leak ripped through a shopping mall in Florida on Saturday, injuring 21 people, the fire department said.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/jair-bolsonaro-defends-child-labour-in-brazil-sparking-outcry-233674">Jair Bolsonaro defends child labour in Brazil, sparks outcry</a>

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, no stranger to controversy, sparked a new brouhaha this week by repeatedly defending the practice of child labour.

"I've been working since I was eight years old... and today I am what I am," the far-right leader said during his weekly live forum on Facebook.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/archie-baby-son-of-uks-prince-harry-and-meghan-markle-christened-at-windsor-castle-233673">Archie, baby son of UK's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, christened at Windsor Castle</a>

Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, the two-month-old son of Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, was christened on Saturday, in a small private ceremony at Windsor Castle.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/leadership-issue-comes-up-at-meeting-of-congress-leaders-no-names-discussed-233676">Leadership issue comes up at the meeting of Congress leaders, no names discussed</a>

The issue of leadership in Congress came up briefly at the informal meeting of party leaders here held to discuss the political developments in Karnataka but no names were discussed, party sources said.

France, Iran to resume talks over nuclear deal and its consequences French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday told his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani of his "strong concern over the risk of weakening the nuclear agreement" and of the consequences that would follow, his office announced.

France, Iran to resume talks over nuclear deal and its consequences French President Emmanuel Macron on Saturday told his Iranian counterpart Hassan Rouhani of his "strong concern over the risk of weakening the nuclear agreement" and of the consequences that would follow, his office announced. Gas explosion at US mall in Florida injures 21 A powerful explosion from a suspected gas leak ripped through a shopping mall in Florida on Saturday, injuring 21 people, the fire department said. Jair Bolsonaro defends child labour in Brazil, sparks outcry Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, no stranger to controversy, sparked a new brouhaha this week by repeatedly defending the practice of child labour. "I've been working since I was eight years old... and today I am what I am," the far-right leader said during his weekly live forum on Facebook. Archie, baby son of UK's Prince Harry and Meghan Markle, christened at Windsor Castle Archie Harrison Mountbatten-Windsor, the two-month-old son of Britain's Prince Harry and his wife Meghan, was christened on Saturday, in a small private ceremony at Windsor Castle. Leadership issue comes up at the meeting of Congress leaders, no names discussed The issue of leadership in Congress came up briefly at the informal meeting of party leaders here held to discuss the political developments in Karnataka but no names were discussed, party sources said.

News brief: Big stories of the day

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/public-support-for-brazil-president-bolsonaro-eroding-poll-231076">Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro</a>, no stranger to controversy, sparked a new brouhaha this week by repeatedly defending the practice of child labour.

"I've been working since I was eight years old... and today I am what I am," the far-right leader said during his weekly live forum on Facebook.

"Look, when a child of eight or nine years old works somewhere, many people denounce it as 'forced labour' or 'child labour,'" he said on Thursday. "But if that child smokes coca paste, nobody says anything."

"Work brings dignity to men and to women, no matter their age," he added.

He then repeated the remarks over the following days, saying at an official event on Friday that, "I worked from the age of eight planting corn, picking bananas... while studying at the same time.&nbsp;

"And today I am what I am. This is not demagoguery, it is the truth."

On Saturday, he republished a 2017 AFP video showing Frank Giaccio, the 11-year-old owner of a lawn mowing business and admirer of US President Donald Trump, trimming the White House lawn.

Bolsonaro added the words, "Work ennobles."

Not allowed

His comments provoked strongly critical reactions.

"He is the best example to incite a child not to work -- to keep him from growing up to become an adult like (Bolsonaro), with so much hatred and such incompetence," said Marcelo Freixo, a socialist politician.

Meanwhile, Brazil's media seized on a 2015 interview in which Bolsonaro's brother contradicted the head of state.

"My father had his bohemian style, but he never let one of his sons work, because he thought they had to study," Renato Bolsonaro told Crescer magazine.&nbsp;

Brazilian law prohibits children younger than 16 from working, except in the case of apprentices, who can begin work at 14.

According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), some 2.5 million children and adolescents aged five to 17 work in Brazil.

"The argument that working would not hurt, or that it would be a viable alternative is exactly what we are fighting every day while striving to make society think differently," Patricia Sanfelici, who oversees the fight against child labour for Brazil's labour ministry, told news website UOL.

On Friday, Bolsonaro's minister for Human Rights, Family and Women, the former evangelical pastor Damares Alves, tried to put an end to the controversy.

"Our generation worked from a very young age," she said. "I worked from a very young age. But this does not mean that we are going to decriminalize (child labour).

"Let us be clear that for children to work is a violation of their rights, something that cannot be allowed."&nbsp;

Bolsonaro is not known for being politically correct. In 2011, he told Playboy magazine he would rather see his own son "die in an accident" than come out as gay. He has also said poor people are too ignorant to understand family planning.&nbsp;

And as a congressman in late 2014, he said that a colleague was not "worth raping; she is very ugly." A judge ultimately ordered him to pay the woman $2,500.&nbsp;

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, no stranger to controversy, sparked a new brouhaha this week by repeatedly defending the practice of child labour. "I've been working since I was eight years old.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, no stranger to controversy, sparked a new brouhaha this week by repeatedly defending the practice of child labour. "I've been working since I was eight years old... and today I am what I am," the far-right leader said during his weekly live forum on Facebook. "Look, when a child of eight or nine years old works somewhere, many people denounce it as 'forced labour' or 'child labour,'" he said on Thursday. "But if that child smokes coca paste, nobody says anything." "Work brings dignity to men and to women, no matter their age," he added. He then repeated the remarks over the following days, saying at an official event on Friday that, "I worked from the age of eight planting corn, picking bananas... while studying at the same time. "And today I am what I am. This is not demagoguery, it is the truth." On Saturday, he republished a 2017 AFP video showing Frank Giaccio, the 11-year-old owner of a lawn mowing business and admirer of US President Donald Trump, trimming the White House lawn. Bolsonaro added the words, "Work ennobles." Not allowed His comments provoked strongly critical reactions. "He is the best example to incite a child not to work -- to keep him from growing up to become an adult like (Bolsonaro), with so much hatred and such incompetence," said Marcelo Freixo, a socialist politician. Meanwhile, Brazil's media seized on a 2015 interview in which Bolsonaro's brother contradicted the head of state. "My father had his bohemian style, but he never let one of his sons work, because he thought they had to study," Renato Bolsonaro told Crescer magazine. Brazilian law prohibits children younger than 16 from working, except in the case of apprentices, who can begin work at 14. According to the Brazilian Institute of Geography and Statistics (IBGE), some 2.5 million children and adolescents aged five to 17 work in Brazil. "The argument that working would not hurt, or that it would be a viable alternative is exactly what we are fighting every day while striving to make society think differently," Patricia Sanfelici, who oversees the fight against child labour for Brazil's labour ministry, told news website UOL. On Friday, Bolsonaro's minister for Human Rights, Family and Women, the former evangelical pastor Damares Alves, tried to put an end to the controversy. "Our generation worked from a very young age," she said. "I worked from a very young age. But this does not mean that we are going to decriminalize (child labour). "Let us be clear that for children to work is a violation of their rights, something that cannot be allowed." Bolsonaro is not known for being politically correct. In 2011, he told Playboy magazine he would rather see his own son "die in an accident" than come out as gay. He has also said poor people are too ignorant to understand family planning. And as a congressman in late 2014, he said that a colleague was not "worth raping; she is very ugly." A judge ultimately ordered him to pay the woman $2,500.

Jair Bolsonaro defends child labour in Brazil, sparks outcry

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/in-talks-with-world-leaders-at-g20-pm-modi-discusses-indo-pacific-terrorism-situation-in-gulf-231173">Prime Minister Narendra Modi</a> on Saturday met Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka.

''Taking forward the comprehensive strategic partnership. PM @narendramodi had a productive meeting with Indonesian President @jokowi on margins of #G20Summit . Discussed expanding cooperation in trade &amp; investment, defence, maritime, space &amp; exchanged views on Indo-Pacific vision,'' External Affairs Ministry's spokesperson Raveesh Kumar wrote on Twitter.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
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<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Taking forward the comprehensive strategic partnership 
 
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> had a productive meeting with Indonesian President <a href="https://twitter.com/jokowi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jokowi</a> on margins of <a href="https://twitter.com/hashtag/G20Summit?src=hash&amp;ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">#G20Summit</a> . Discussed expanding cooperation in trade &amp; investment, defence, maritime, space &amp; exchanged views on Indo-Pacific vision. <a href="https://t.co/ntAwbGJ9MC">pic.twitter.com/ntAwbGJ9MC</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1144766778339315712?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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''Deepening the close &amp; multifaceted strategic partnership. PM @narendramodi &amp; Brazilian President @jairbolsonaro held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral relationship, specially cooperation in trade &amp; investment, agriculture &amp; bio-fuels in the context of climate change,'' Raveesh Kumar wrote in another tweet.

<div class="ui-state-default" contenteditable="false">
<div class="twitter-block" draggable="false">
<blockquote class="twitter-tweet" data-lang="en">
Deepening the close &amp; multifaceted strategic partnership 
 
PM <a href="https://twitter.com/narendramodi?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@narendramodi</a> &amp; Brazilian President <a href="https://twitter.com/jairbolsonaro?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">@jairbolsonaro</a> held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral relationship, specially cooperation in trade &amp; investment, agriculture &amp; bio-fuels in the context of climate change. <a href="https://t.co/JDCO9Dyf2m">pic.twitter.com/JDCO9Dyf2m</a>
— Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) <a href="https://twitter.com/MEAIndia/status/1144773441691643904?ref_src=twsrc%5Etfw">June 29, 2019</a></blockquote>
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PM Modi and Indonesian president congratulated each other for the recent election victory in their respective countries.

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/pm-modi-meets-global-leaders-at-g20-discusses-oil-prices-with-saudi-crown-prince-231298">PM Modi along with other world leaders</a> also joined an event on women empowerment on the final day of Summit.

Watch:&nbsp;PM Modi holds over 10 meetings, raises trade issue with world leaders

<div class="videoWrapper trancodeVideo"><iframe allowfullscreen="" autoplay="1" class="includeVideo" frameborder="0" height="350" src="https://www.wionews.com/videos/g20-summit-pm-modi-holds-over-10-meetings-raises-trade-issue-with-world-leaders-231352/embed" style="width:100%;max-width:560px;" width="560"></iframe></div>

PM Modi is scheduled to hold more bilateral talks with other leaders including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Australian PM Scott Morrison before he leaves for India.

Yesterday, PM Modi met with&nbsp;US President Donald Trump, he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, South Korean President Moon Jae-in, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi on Saturday met Indonesian President Joko Widodo and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro on the sidelines of G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka. ''Taking forward the comprehensive strategic partnership. PM @narendramodi had a productive meeting with Indonesian President @jokowi on margins of #G20Summit . Discussed expanding cooperation in trade & investment, defence, maritime, space & exchanged views on Indo-Pacific vision,'' External Affairs Ministry's spokesperson Raveesh Kumar wrote on Twitter. Taking forward the comprehensive strategic partnership PM @narendramodi had a productive meeting with Indonesian President @jokowi on margins of #G20Summit . Discussed expanding cooperation in trade & investment, defence, maritime, space & exchanged views on Indo-Pacific vision. pic.twitter.com/ntAwbGJ9MC — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 29, 2019 × ''Deepening the close & multifaceted strategic partnership. PM @narendramodi & Brazilian President @jairbolsonaro held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral relationship, specially cooperation in trade & investment, agriculture & bio-fuels in the context of climate change,'' Raveesh Kumar wrote in another tweet. Deepening the close & multifaceted strategic partnership PM @narendramodi & Brazilian President @jairbolsonaro held wide-ranging discussions on bilateral relationship, specially cooperation in trade & investment, agriculture & bio-fuels in the context of climate change. pic.twitter.com/JDCO9Dyf2m — Raveesh Kumar (@MEAIndia) June 29, 2019 × PM Modi and Indonesian president congratulated each other for the recent election victory in their respective countries. PM Modi along with other world leaders also joined an event on women empowerment on the final day of Summit. Watch: PM Modi holds over 10 meetings, raises trade issue with world leaders PM Modi is scheduled to hold more bilateral talks with other leaders including Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan, and Australian PM Scott Morrison before he leaves for India. Yesterday, PM Modi met with US President Donald Trump, he met Saudi Crown Prince Mohammed bin Salman, South Korean President Moon Jae-in, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and French President Emmanuel Macron.

PM Modi holds bilateral talks with Indonesia, Brazil leaders at G20 Summit in Japan's Osaka

The Trump administration <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/us-imposes-sanctions-on-venezuelan-president-maduros-son-nicolasito-231308">turned up the pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro</a> on Friday by targeting his son Nicolas "Nicolasito" Maduro with sanctions, the US Treasury Department said.

The new sanctions are the latest push in six months of efforts to oust Maduro, whose 2018 re-election has been deemed illegitimate by the United States and most Western nations.

Maduro's son has been involved in propaganda and censorship, has profited from Venezuelan mines, and helped pressure the military to keep humanitarian aid out of the country, the Treasury Department said.

"Maduro relies on his son Nicolasito and others close to his authoritarian regime to maintain a stranglehold on the economy and suppress the people of Venezuela," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement.

"Treasury will continue to target complicit relatives of illegitimate regime insiders profiting off of Maduro's corruption," said Mnuchin, who is in Osaka, Japan, with President Donald Trump for a G20 summit.

The Venezuelan government called the new measures "illegal" and said they had the "dark aim" of trying to directly attack Maduro's family after the Trump administration's previous attempts to overthrow the socialist leader had failed.

The government "rejects the continued attacks by the Trump administration that seek to undermine, unsuccessfully, the spirit and will of a people determined to take the reins of their own destiny," it said in a statement.

Washington has thrown its support behind opposition leader Juan Guaido, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly, who invoked the country's constitution in January to declare himself interim president.

Maduro has retained the backing of the country's military and other institutions and calls Guaido a Washington puppet.

The new sanctions come as Trump holds a series of meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the G20.

Trump raised the subject of Venezuela with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who backs Maduro, and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a Guaido supporter, on the first day of the summit.

Asked whether momentum had been lost in efforts to oust Maduro, Trump told reporters: "No, not at all. Things take time."

Venezuela still in Trump's focus

On the second day of the G20, Trump is scheduled to speak with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Chinese President Xi Jinping, both of whom support Maduro.

"Venezuela is going to come up at most of the conversations the president has out there. That's because the president has not lost focus on Venezuela," a senior US administration official said, speaking on condition of anonymity.

More information will be released in the coming weeks about the younger Maduro's "direct role in corruption," the official said, declining to give further details.

Maduro appointed his son the head of the Corps of Inspectors of the Presidency and he is also a member of Venezuela's National Constituent Assembly, a pro-Maduro legislative super body created by the government in 2017 to override the opposition-controlled National Assembly.

The United States does not regard the National Constituent Assembly as legitimate and has previously imposed sanctions on other people involved in it.

The Treasury designation means that any assets held by the younger Maduro in the United States will be frozen - and will make it difficult for him to move money through the international banking system.

The senior administration official declined to comment on whether the younger Maduro has assets in the United States.

The Trump administration is continuing to work on sanctions for other individuals connected to Maduro, including magistrates on Venezuela's supreme court who have not yet been designated, the official said.

"We will continue to target corruption and squeeze the Maduro regime until it no longer has funds with which to prop itself up," the official said.

The Trump administration turned up the pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday by targeting his son Nicolas "Nicolasito" Maduro with sanctions, the US Treasury Department said.

The Trump administration turned up the pressure on Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro on Friday by targeting his son Nicolas "Nicolasito" Maduro with sanctions, the US Treasury Department said. The new sanctions are the latest push in six months of efforts to oust Maduro, whose 2018 re-election has been deemed illegitimate by the United States and most Western nations. Maduro's son has been involved in propaganda and censorship, has profited from Venezuelan mines, and helped pressure the military to keep humanitarian aid out of the country, the Treasury Department said. "Maduro relies on his son Nicolasito and others close to his authoritarian regime to maintain a stranglehold on the economy and suppress the people of Venezuela," Treasury Secretary Steven Mnuchin said in a statement. "Treasury will continue to target complicit relatives of illegitimate regime insiders profiting off of Maduro's corruption," said Mnuchin, who is in Osaka, Japan, with President Donald Trump for a G20 summit. The Venezuelan government called the new measures "illegal" and said they had the "dark aim" of trying to directly attack Maduro's family after the Trump administration's previous attempts to overthrow the socialist leader had failed. The government "rejects the continued attacks by the Trump administration that seek to undermine, unsuccessfully, the spirit and will of a people determined to take the reins of their own destiny," it said in a statement. Washington has thrown its support behind opposition leader Juan Guaido, the head of Venezuela's National Assembly, who invoked the country's constitution in January to declare himself interim president. Maduro has retained the backing of the country's military and other institutions and calls Guaido a Washington puppet. The new sanctions come as Trump holds a series of meetings with world leaders on the sidelines of the G20. Trump raised the subject of Venezuela with Russian President Vladimir Putin, who backs Maduro, and Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, a Guaido supporter, on the first day of the summit. Asked whether momentum had been lost in efforts to oust Maduro, Trump told reporters: "No, not at all. Things take time." Venezuela still in Trump's focus On the second day of the G20, Trump is scheduled to speak with Turkish President Tayyip Erdogan and Chinese President Xi Jinping, both of whom support Maduro. "Venezuela is going to come up at most of the conversations the president has out there. That's because the president has not lost focus on Venezuela," a senior US administration official said, speaking on condition of anonymity. More information will be released in the coming weeks about the younger Maduro's "direct role in corruption," the official said, declining to give further details. Maduro appointed his son the head of the Corps of Inspectors of the Presidency and he is also a member of Venezuela's National Constituent Assembly, a pro-Maduro legislative super body created by the government in 2017 to override the opposition-controlled National Assembly. The United States does not regard the National Constituent Assembly as legitimate and has previously imposed sanctions on other people involved in it. The Treasury designation means that any assets held by the younger Maduro in the United States will be frozen - and will make it difficult for him to move money through the international banking system. The senior administration official declined to comment on whether the younger Maduro has assets in the United States. The Trump administration is continuing to work on sanctions for other individuals connected to Maduro, including magistrates on Venezuela's supreme court who have not yet been designated, the official said. "We will continue to target corruption and squeeze the Maduro regime until it no longer has funds with which to prop itself up," the official said.

New sanctions on Nicolas Maduro's son 'illegal', have dark aim: Venezuelan government

More than half of Brazilians say they lack confidence in right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, whose support has steadily eroded since winning a commanding victory in October's election, according to an opinion poll released on Thursday.

The number of respondents lacking confidence in Bolsonaro rose to 51% from 46% in a previous poll, pollster Ibope said in a survey commissioned by industry group CNI. A range of other measures also pointed to rising negative sentiment toward Bolsonaro's administration.

After assuming office on Jan. 1, Bolsonaro's government has lurched from one scandal to the next, including internal conflicts leading to a string of ministers resigning or being fired.

The economy has also been slower than expected to recover from a deep recession as Bolsonaro's flagship pension reform bill, aimed at closing a huge shortfall in public finances, inches its way through Congress.

On Thursday, the central bank slashed gross domestic product growth predictions for 2019 to 0.8% from 2.0% previously, and the government announced that the economy added less than half as many jobs as forecast in May.

About 32% of those surveyed by Ibope said the government was doing a "bad" or "terrible" job, up from 27% in the previous poll.

The Bolsonaro government's "good/great" rating was 32%, down from 35% in April and 49% in January, shortly after assuming office.

Ibope surveyed 2,000 people across Brazil from June 20-23. The poll's margin of error is 2 percentage points.

More than half of Brazilians say they lack confidence in right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, whose support has steadily eroded since winning a commanding victory in October's election, according to an opinion poll released on Thursday.

More than half of Brazilians say they lack confidence in right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro, whose support has steadily eroded since winning a commanding victory in October's election, according to an opinion poll released on Thursday. The number of respondents lacking confidence in Bolsonaro rose to 51% from 46% in a previous poll, pollster Ibope said in a survey commissioned by industry group CNI. A range of other measures also pointed to rising negative sentiment toward Bolsonaro's administration. After assuming office on Jan. 1, Bolsonaro's government has lurched from one scandal to the next, including internal conflicts leading to a string of ministers resigning or being fired. The economy has also been slower than expected to recover from a deep recession as Bolsonaro's flagship pension reform bill, aimed at closing a huge shortfall in public finances, inches its way through Congress. On Thursday, the central bank slashed gross domestic product growth predictions for 2019 to 0.8% from 2.0% previously, and the government announced that the economy added less than half as many jobs as forecast in May. About 32% of those surveyed by Ibope said the government was doing a "bad" or "terrible" job, up from 27% in the previous poll. The Bolsonaro government's "good/great" rating was 32%, down from 35% in April and 49% in January, shortly after assuming office. Ibope surveyed 2,000 people across Brazil from June 20-23. The poll's margin of error is 2 percentage points.

Public support for Brazil President Bolsonaro eroding: Poll

Hundreds of activist groups on Tuesday urged the EU to "immediately halt negotiations" for a trade deal with Mercosur countries over Brazil's alleged harm of its indigenous people and rainforests.

The appeal from more than 340 groups could further complicate the European Union's bid to conclude 20 years of talks for a free trade agreement with Brazil and its Mercosur partners Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay.

In an open letter, Greenpeace, as well as an array of NGOs across Europe and Latin America, reminded the EU it had previously suspended trade preferences with Myanmar and the Philippines over alleged human rights abuses.

"It is time that the EU takes a similar, tough stance to prevent a deterioration of the human rights and environmental situation in Brazil," the letter said.

"We, therefore, call on you to immediately halt negotiations for an EU-Mercosur free trade agreement," it added.&nbsp;

It urged Brussels to "guarantee that no Brazilian products sold in the EU, nor the financial markets underpinning them, are leading to increases in deforestation, land grabbing of native lands or human rights violations."

The letter also urged an end to trade talks until Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro gives concrete commitments to implement the 2015 Paris climate deal.

European trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom told journalists on Monday that EU officials were in close contact with the growing number of NGOs expressing concern.

EU officials have "listened to them and tried to see what we can do," the Swedish commissioner said.

"There are some measures taken in Brazil that we certainly do not agree with and a trade agreement cannot solve all the miseries of the world," Malmstrom said.

"But we can get a context to discuss these issues. We are certainly trying to get a chapter on trade and sustainable development that is as ambitious as possible but it is not done yet."

Brazil's Bolsonaro and Argentina's Mauricio Macri expressed confidence earlier this month that the deal would soon be signed.

Malmstrom said the two blocs were near an agreement and expressed hope it could be reached before the current European Commission stands down in November.

The main obstacle has been European reluctance to open its market to agricultural products from South America, and more recently differences have emerged with Brazil over trading meat, sugar and automobiles.

Hundreds of activist groups on Tuesday urged the EU to "immediately halt negotiations" for a trade deal with Mercosur countries over Brazil's alleged harm of its indigenous people and rainforests.

Hundreds of activist groups on Tuesday urged the EU to "immediately halt negotiations" for a trade deal with Mercosur countries over Brazil's alleged harm of its indigenous people and rainforests. The appeal from more than 340 groups could further complicate the European Union's bid to conclude 20 years of talks for a free trade agreement with Brazil and its Mercosur partners Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay. In an open letter, Greenpeace, as well as an array of NGOs across Europe and Latin America, reminded the EU it had previously suspended trade preferences with Myanmar and the Philippines over alleged human rights abuses. "It is time that the EU takes a similar, tough stance to prevent a deterioration of the human rights and environmental situation in Brazil," the letter said. "We, therefore, call on you to immediately halt negotiations for an EU-Mercosur free trade agreement," it added. It urged Brussels to "guarantee that no Brazilian products sold in the EU, nor the financial markets underpinning them, are leading to increases in deforestation, land grabbing of native lands or human rights violations." The letter also urged an end to trade talks until Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro gives concrete commitments to implement the 2015 Paris climate deal. European trade commissioner Cecilia Malmstrom told journalists on Monday that EU officials were in close contact with the growing number of NGOs expressing concern. EU officials have "listened to them and tried to see what we can do," the Swedish commissioner said. "There are some measures taken in Brazil that we certainly do not agree with and a trade agreement cannot solve all the miseries of the world," Malmstrom said. "But we can get a context to discuss these issues. We are certainly trying to get a chapter on trade and sustainable development that is as ambitious as possible but it is not done yet." Brazil's Bolsonaro and Argentina's Mauricio Macri expressed confidence earlier this month that the deal would soon be signed. Malmstrom said the two blocs were near an agreement and expressed hope it could be reached before the current European Commission stands down in November. The main obstacle has been European reluctance to open its market to agricultural products from South America, and more recently differences have emerged with Brazil over trading meat, sugar and automobiles.

European Union urged to halt trade talks with South America over Brazil abuses

A Brazilian judge on Friday acquitted a mentally ill man of attacking far-right President Jair Bolsonaro on last year's campaign trail, but jailed him for an "indefinite period."

Adelio Bispo de Oliveira stabbed Bolsonaro in the stomach on September 6 during a campaign rally in Juiz de Fora, in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais.

Police previously said Bispo acted alone in a premeditated political attack that almost cost Bolsonaro his life.

Bispo suffers a delusional disorder and for that reason cannot be tried under Brazilian law, the federal judge ruled.&nbsp;

However owing to the "high risk" to himself and his wish to attack Bolsonaro and former president Michel Temer, Bispo should remain in a federal prison where he can receive treatment, the judge said.

Bolsonaro said he would try to have the decision overturned.

Bolsonaro thinks that declaring Bispo mentally ill is a way to protect the attack masterminds.

"They tried to kill me. I am certain who they were, but I can't say, I don't want to prejudge anyone," he told local media.

"This is a crime against a presidential candidate who now has the mandate and we must go to the final consequences of that situation."

Bolsonaro vowed to appeal.

"I will contact my lawyer. I will try to do whatever is possible," he said.&nbsp;

A Brazilian judge on Friday acquitted a mentally ill man of attacking far-right President Jair Bolsonaro on last year's campaign trail, but jailed him for an "indefinite period.

A Brazilian judge on Friday acquitted a mentally ill man of attacking far-right President Jair Bolsonaro on last year's campaign trail, but jailed him for an "indefinite period." Adelio Bispo de Oliveira stabbed Bolsonaro in the stomach on September 6 during a campaign rally in Juiz de Fora, in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais. Police previously said Bispo acted alone in a premeditated political attack that almost cost Bolsonaro his life. Bispo suffers a delusional disorder and for that reason cannot be tried under Brazilian law, the federal judge ruled. However owing to the "high risk" to himself and his wish to attack Bolsonaro and former president Michel Temer, Bispo should remain in a federal prison where he can receive treatment, the judge said. Bolsonaro said he would try to have the decision overturned. Bolsonaro thinks that declaring Bispo mentally ill is a way to protect the attack masterminds. "They tried to kill me. I am certain who they were, but I can't say, I don't want to prejudge anyone," he told local media. "This is a crime against a presidential candidate who now has the mandate and we must go to the final consequences of that situation." Bolsonaro vowed to appeal. "I will contact my lawyer. I will try to do whatever is possible," he said.

Man who stabbed Brazil President Jair Bolsonaro jailed indefinitely

At least 40 <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/clashes-between-prisoners-in-brazil-jail-leave-15-dead-official-221848">prisoners in Brazil</a> were found strangled to death on Monday in four jails in the Amazon jungle city of Manaus, where a fight between rival prison gangs resulted in 15 dead the day before, authorities said.

A federal task force is being sent to Manaus in an effort to halt the violence. Prison clashes often spread rapidly in Brazil, where drug gangs have de facto control over nearly all jails.

In January 2017, nearly 150 prisoners died during three weeks of violence in the north and northeastern Brazil, as local gangs backed by Brazil's two largest drug factions - the First Capital Command and the Red Command - butchered one another.

A statement from the Amazonas state penitentiary department revised to 40 from an earlier 42 the number of deaths that took place on Monday and said authorities had regained control of the four prisons. No other details were provided.

At least 15 inmates were killed at a jail in Manaus on Sunday, with authorities saying those who died were choked and stabbed to death.

Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has vowed to regain control of the country's prisons - along with building many more jails.

But the vast majority of jails are administered at the state level. For decades they have been badly overcrowded and out of control of local authorities, essentially serving as recruiting centres for drug gangs.

At least 40 prisoners in Brazil were found strangled to death on Monday in four jails in the Amazon jungle city of Manaus, where a fight between rival prison gangs resulted in 15 dead the day before, authorities said.

At least 40 prisoners in Brazil were found strangled to death on Monday in four jails in the Amazon jungle city of Manaus, where a fight between rival prison gangs resulted in 15 dead the day before, authorities said. A federal task force is being sent to Manaus in an effort to halt the violence. Prison clashes often spread rapidly in Brazil, where drug gangs have de facto control over nearly all jails. In January 2017, nearly 150 prisoners died during three weeks of violence in the north and northeastern Brazil, as local gangs backed by Brazil's two largest drug factions - the First Capital Command and the Red Command - butchered one another. A statement from the Amazonas state penitentiary department revised to 40 from an earlier 42 the number of deaths that took place on Monday and said authorities had regained control of the four prisons. No other details were provided. At least 15 inmates were killed at a jail in Manaus on Sunday, with authorities saying those who died were choked and stabbed to death. Brazil's far-right President Jair Bolsonaro has vowed to regain control of the country's prisons - along with building many more jails. But the vast majority of jails are administered at the state level. For decades they have been badly overcrowded and out of control of local authorities, essentially serving as recruiting centres for drug gangs.

At least 40 inmates strangled to death in Amazon prison gang clashes

A riot between inmates in a prison in the Brazilian city of Manaus ended with 15 dead on Sunday (May 26). The riot began during visiting hours at the prison, and prisoners' family members also protested outside the facility, blocking a road and clashing with police.

Prison gang clashes leave dozens dead over past two days in Brazil

Thousands took to the street of Rio de Janeiro on Sunday to show their support for far-right President Jair Bolsonaro.

Bolsonaro backers take to streets in Brazil

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in cities across Brazil on Wednesday to rally against education spending freezes in the biggest demonstrations yet against President Jair Bolsonaro, who called marchers "useful idiots and imbeciles."

Brazil's National Student Union called for protests against what it called spending cuts, after the Education Ministry said it was freezing nearly a quarter of discretionary spending due to the government's precarious fiscal situation.

The marches in over 200 cities, according to a count by the Globo TV network, mark the first national protests against the administration of the far-right Bolsonaro, whose poll numbers are falling as he struggles with a weak economy, rising unemployment, an unruly coalition in Congress and infighting within his cabinet.

Speaking in Dallas, Texas, where he travelled to attend a gala dinner, Bolsonaro denied his government had cut education budgets and cast the protests as a partisan spectacle.

"They are useful idiots, imbeciles, who are being used as the manoeuvring mass of a clever little minority who make up the nucleus of many federal universities in Brazil," he said.

A peaceful rally of thousands in central Rio de Janeiro turned violent as the protest was ending, with unknown assailants setting a bus ablaze and shooting fireworks at police, who responded with tear gas to break a crowd up. There was no word on any injuries.

In the capital Brasilia some 7,000 students and university professors marched to Congress, carrying signs against the cuts. One said: "Education is not an expense, it is an investment." Another read: "Without investment there is no knowledge."

"Our message to Bolsonaro is that society will not accept these cuts of 30 percent," said marcher Luis Antonio Pasquetti, head of the National University of Brasilia's teacher union.

There was no official nationwide crowd estimate available, but the protests were likely the largest such gatherings since the 2016 impeachment of former President Dilma Rousseff.

"The importance is to show that civil society is organized against these cuts," said Rodrigo Tonieto, 22, in Sao Paulo. "Together, we are going to say 'no' to the Bolsonaro government ... To say 'no' to the mess that this government is."

Called to explain the cuts to lawmakers in Congress, Education Minister Abraham Weintraub blamed the situation on the legacy of the previous government, while defending a shift away from spending on universities to favor elementary schools.

"The priority is preschool, elementary school and technical school," he said. "A scientific, technical, number-based, efficient and managerial approach is vital to save this country from the economic stagnation of the last 20 years that we are living."

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in cities across Brazil on Wednesday to rally against education spending freezes in the biggest demonstrations yet against President Jair Bolsonaro, who called marchers "useful idiots and imbeciles.

Tens of thousands of protesters gathered in cities across Brazil on Wednesday to rally against education spending freezes in the biggest demonstrations yet against President Jair Bolsonaro, who called marchers "useful idiots and imbeciles." Brazil's National Student Union called for protests against what it called spending cuts, after the Education Ministry said it was freezing nearly a quarter of discretionary spending due to the government's precarious fiscal situation. The marches in over 200 cities, according to a count by the Globo TV network, mark the first national protests against the administration of the far-right Bolsonaro, whose poll numbers are falling as he struggles with a weak economy, rising unemployment, an unruly coalition in Congress and infighting within his cabinet. Speaking in Dallas, Texas, where he travelled to attend a gala dinner, Bolsonaro denied his government had cut education budgets and cast the protests as a partisan spectacle. "They are useful idiots, imbeciles, who are being used as the manoeuvring mass of a clever little minority who make up the nucleus of many federal universities in Brazil," he said. A peaceful rally of thousands in central Rio de Janeiro turned violent as the protest was ending, with unknown assailants setting a bus ablaze and shooting fireworks at police, who responded with tear gas to break a crowd up. There was no word on any injuries. In the capital Brasilia some 7,000 students and university professors marched to Congress, carrying signs against the cuts. One said: "Education is not an expense, it is an investment." Another read: "Without investment there is no knowledge." "Our message to Bolsonaro is that society will not accept these cuts of 30 percent," said marcher Luis Antonio Pasquetti, head of the National University of Brasilia's teacher union. There was no official nationwide crowd estimate available, but the protests were likely the largest such gatherings since the 2016 impeachment of former President Dilma Rousseff. "The importance is to show that civil society is organized against these cuts," said Rodrigo Tonieto, 22, in Sao Paulo. "Together, we are going to say 'no' to the Bolsonaro government ... To say 'no' to the mess that this government is." Called to explain the cuts to lawmakers in Congress, Education Minister Abraham Weintraub blamed the situation on the legacy of the previous government, while defending a shift away from spending on universities to favor elementary schools. "The priority is preschool, elementary school and technical school," he said. "A scientific, technical, number-based, efficient and managerial approach is vital to save this country from the economic stagnation of the last 20 years that we are living."

Brazil education freeze spurs biggest protests yet against Bolsonaro government

Tens of thousands of people gathered in Brazilian cities to protest against large budget cuts in public education, the first nationwide manifestations to be organised against far-right President Jair Bolsonaro since he was sworn in on Jan. 1.

Crowds protest against education cuts in Brazil

Former Brazilian president <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-court-reduces-ex-president-lulas-sentence-213138">Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva</a> on Friday said the country is governed by a "gang of madmen" in his first interview from prison, where he is serving an almost nine-year sentence.

The leftist ex-leader, 73, reiterated his innocence and told newspapers El Pais and Folha de Sao Paulo he is "obsessed" with "unmasking" those behind his conviction, which has seen him incarcerated for the past year for bribery and money laundering.

"I know very well the place history holds for me. And I also know who will be in the dumpster," said Lula, charismatic as ever in video clips published by Spanish newspaper El Pais's Brazilian edition.

The interview is the first Lula has given since he was arrested in April of last year.

"It can't be that this country is governed by this gang of madmen ... the country doesn't deserve that and above all the people don't deserve that," Folha de S&nbsp;Paulo reported Lula as saying of President Jair Bolsonaro's far-right administration.

Bolsonaro entered office in January, defeating Workers' Party candidate Fernando Haddad, who replaced Lula after he was banned from running.

Lula was convicted as part of Operation Car Wash, a wide reaching probe into corruption surrounding state oil firm Petrobras.

But from the start, Lula has maintained he is the victim of a campaign to prevent a leftist leader from returning to power.

This week, an appeals court reduced his 12-year sentence to eight years and 10 months.&nbsp;

The ruling could mean Lula is eligible for "semi-open" prison later this year.

Lula is also appealing a second sentence of almost 13 years handed down in February for accepting renovation work by two construction companies on a farmhouse in exchange for ensuring they won contracts with Petrobras. If that sentence is upheld, it will be added to the previous one.

Former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Friday said the country is governed by a "gang of madmen" in his first interview from prison, where he is serving an almost nine-year sentence.

Former Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva on Friday said the country is governed by a "gang of madmen" in his first interview from prison, where he is serving an almost nine-year sentence. The leftist ex-leader, 73, reiterated his innocence and told newspapers El Pais and Folha de Sao Paulo he is "obsessed" with "unmasking" those behind his conviction, which has seen him incarcerated for the past year for bribery and money laundering. "I know very well the place history holds for me. And I also know who will be in the dumpster," said Lula, charismatic as ever in video clips published by Spanish newspaper El Pais's Brazilian edition. The interview is the first Lula has given since he was arrested in April of last year. "It can't be that this country is governed by this gang of madmen ... the country doesn't deserve that and above all the people don't deserve that," Folha de S Paulo reported Lula as saying of President Jair Bolsonaro's far-right administration. Bolsonaro entered office in January, defeating Workers' Party candidate Fernando Haddad, who replaced Lula after he was banned from running. Lula was convicted as part of Operation Car Wash, a wide reaching probe into corruption surrounding state oil firm Petrobras. But from the start, Lula has maintained he is the victim of a campaign to prevent a leftist leader from returning to power. This week, an appeals court reduced his 12-year sentence to eight years and 10 months. The ruling could mean Lula is eligible for "semi-open" prison later this year. Lula is also appealing a second sentence of almost 13 years handed down in February for accepting renovation work by two construction companies on a farmhouse in exchange for ensuring they won contracts with Petrobras. If that sentence is upheld, it will be added to the previous one.

Brazil is governed by 'gang of madmen': Jailed former president Lula

Brazil's ex-president Michel Temer was free from jail on Monday as the judge said there were no legal grounds for his detention.

The 78-year-old predecessor of current far-right President Jair Bolsonaro <a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/brazils-ex-president-michel-temer-arrested-reports-204712">was accused of money laundering scheme</a>. He was arrested on March 21 in Sao Paulo becoming the latest the second ex-president of the Latin American country to be caught up in an anti-corruption probe called Car Wash.

Launched in 2014, the Car Wash investigation uncovered a vast graft operation involving state oil firm Petrobras and major construction companies and bribes to politicians of several parties.

Former mines and energy minister Moreira Franco and other detained with Temer were also released.

"I am not against the so-called Car Wash (investigation)," judge Antonio Ivan Athie said in his decision.

"I want to see our country free from the corruption that plagues it. However, without constitutional guarantees, guaranteed to all ... there is no legitimacy in the fight against this plague," Athie added.

Despite evidence that could incriminate the accused, it "did not justify preventative detention", Athie said, pointing to the absence of proof that the accused were a threat to public order or would hide evidence.&nbsp;

Hours after the decision was taken, Temer left the jail and went in a car. The federal prosecutor's office said it would appeal the decision.&nbsp;

(With inputs from AFP)

Brazil's ex-president Michel Temer was free from jail on Monday as the judge said there were no legal grounds for his detention. The 78-year-old predecessor of current far-right President Jair Bolsonaro was accused of money laundering scheme.

Brazil's ex-president Michel Temer was free from jail on Monday as the judge said there were no legal grounds for his detention. The 78-year-old predecessor of current far-right President Jair Bolsonaro was accused of money laundering scheme. He was arrested on March 21 in Sao Paulo becoming the latest the second ex-president of the Latin American country to be caught up in an anti-corruption probe called Car Wash. Launched in 2014, the Car Wash investigation uncovered a vast graft operation involving state oil firm Petrobras and major construction companies and bribes to politicians of several parties. Former mines and energy minister Moreira Franco and other detained with Temer were also released. "I am not against the so-called Car Wash (investigation)," judge Antonio Ivan Athie said in his decision. "I want to see our country free from the corruption that plagues it. However, without constitutional guarantees, guaranteed to all ... there is no legitimacy in the fight against this plague," Athie added. Despite evidence that could incriminate the accused, it "did not justify preventative detention", Athie said, pointing to the absence of proof that the accused were a threat to public order or would hide evidence. Hours after the decision was taken, Temer left the jail and went in a car. The federal prosecutor's office said it would appeal the decision. (With inputs from AFP)

Brazil's ex-president Michel Temer freed from jail, judge says no legal grounds for detention

Brazil's ex-president Michel Temer was arrested Thursday, becoming the latest former leader of the Latin American country caught up in a sprawling anti-corruption probe that has already claimed dozens of political and corporate scalps.

Police arrested Temer, the 78-year-old predecessor of current far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, in Sao Paulo, a spokesman for the federal prosecutor's office in Rio de Janeiro told AFP.

Former mines and energy minister Moreira Franco was also detained along with six others, including business people, Brazilian news site G1 reported.&nbsp;

Temer, Brazil's most unpopular leader ever, faced several corruption accusations on leaving office last year.

He escaped action over two of the allegations in 2017 when Brazil's Congress voted to dismiss them, cementing his reputation as the ultimate survivor in one of the world's messiest and scandal-ridden democracies.

But the third accusation was filed days before Bolsonaro's mandate started on January 1, leaving Congress with no time to evaluate the charge.

Launched in 2014, the Car Wash investigation uncovered a vast graft operation involving state oil firm Petrobras and major construction companies and bribes to politicians of several parties.

The scale of the corruption uncovered stunned Brazilians, who have grown weary of graft among their leaders.&nbsp;

Live coverage of arrests

Temer is just the latest former president caught up in the probe that has rocked Brazil's business and political elites.

The center-right politician took over as a caretaker figure after the last Workers Party president, Dilma Rousseff, was impeached and removed from office in 2016, accused of cooking the government's books.

While Rousseff was not directly implicated in the Car Wash scandal, she was damaged by an association having chaired the board at Petrobras between 2003-2010, when much of the alleged corruption was flourishing.

Former leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is serving a lengthy jail term after being found guilty in two corruption cases.&nbsp;

Far-right leader Bolsonaro campaigned on a hard line against corruption and crime and his victory in October's election was in part attributed to the Car Wash investigation.

Temer did not contest the ballot.

The probe was originally overseen by Brazil's current justice minister, former judge Sergio Moro, who jailed Lula. He has been replaced by Gabriela Hardt.

Local TV channels broadcast live coverage of the latest arrests -- much to the delight of many viewers.&nbsp;

As president, Temer was deeply unpopular among ordinary Brazilians. Whenever he spoke on television, horn honking and pot banging could be heard in major cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo.&nbsp;

He was booed loudly at Maracana stadium when he opened the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Brazil's ex-president Michel Temer was arrested Thursday, becoming the latest former leader of the Latin American country caught up in a sprawling anti-corruption probe that has already claimed dozens of political and corporate scalps.

Brazil's ex-president Michel Temer was arrested Thursday, becoming the latest former leader of the Latin American country caught up in a sprawling anti-corruption probe that has already claimed dozens of political and corporate scalps. Police arrested Temer, the 78-year-old predecessor of current far-right President Jair Bolsonaro, in Sao Paulo, a spokesman for the federal prosecutor's office in Rio de Janeiro told AFP. Former mines and energy minister Moreira Franco was also detained along with six others, including business people, Brazilian news site G1 reported. Temer, Brazil's most unpopular leader ever, faced several corruption accusations on leaving office last year. He escaped action over two of the allegations in 2017 when Brazil's Congress voted to dismiss them, cementing his reputation as the ultimate survivor in one of the world's messiest and scandal-ridden democracies. But the third accusation was filed days before Bolsonaro's mandate started on January 1, leaving Congress with no time to evaluate the charge. Launched in 2014, the Car Wash investigation uncovered a vast graft operation involving state oil firm Petrobras and major construction companies and bribes to politicians of several parties. The scale of the corruption uncovered stunned Brazilians, who have grown weary of graft among their leaders. Live coverage of arrests Temer is just the latest former president caught up in the probe that has rocked Brazil's business and political elites. The center-right politician took over as a caretaker figure after the last Workers Party president, Dilma Rousseff, was impeached and removed from office in 2016, accused of cooking the government's books. While Rousseff was not directly implicated in the Car Wash scandal, she was damaged by an association having chaired the board at Petrobras between 2003-2010, when much of the alleged corruption was flourishing. Former leftist president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is serving a lengthy jail term after being found guilty in two corruption cases. Far-right leader Bolsonaro campaigned on a hard line against corruption and crime and his victory in October's election was in part attributed to the Car Wash investigation. Temer did not contest the ballot. The probe was originally overseen by Brazil's current justice minister, former judge Sergio Moro, who jailed Lula. He has been replaced by Gabriela Hardt. Local TV channels broadcast live coverage of the latest arrests -- much to the delight of many viewers. As president, Temer was deeply unpopular among ordinary Brazilians. Whenever he spoke on television, horn honking and pot banging could be heard in major cities like Rio de Janeiro and Sao Paulo. He was booed loudly at Maracana stadium when he opened the 2016 Rio de Janeiro Olympics.

Brazil's ex-president Temer arrested in 'Car Wash' probe that claimed dozens of political, corporate scalps

<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/new-zealand-begins-to-bury-its-dead-after-mosque-massacre-204416">New Zealand begins to bury its dead after mosque massacre</a>

Hundreds of mourners gathered in a Christchurch cemetery on Wednesday for the first funerals of those killed in the twin mosque massacre as New Zealanders braced for days of emotional farewells following the mass slayings.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/2-dead-several-injured-after-under-construction-building-collapses-in-karnataka-204418">3 dead, many injured after under-construction building collapses in Karnataka's Dharwad</a>

At least three people were killed and several injured after an under-construction building collapsed in Karnataka's Dharwad's.&nbsp;

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-compliments-trump-who-replies-brazil-could-join-nato-204420">Bolsonaro compliments Trump who replies Brazil could join NATO</a>

President Donald Trump heaped praise Tuesday on right-wing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro — and received plenty back — in announcing a special relationship that he said could even see the Latin American country join NATO.

At a joint news conference on the sun-soaked Rose Garden lawn, Trump and the man dubbed "Trump of the Tropics" let the mutual compliments flow.

"I have always admired the United States of America. And this sense of admiration has just increased after you took office and the presidency," Bolsonaro said.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/india-news/goas-new-cm-pramod-sawant-to-face-floor-test-today-204426">New Goa CM Pramod Sawant to face floor test today</a>

A day after Bhartiya Janata Party's Pramod Sawant took charge as the new chief minister of Goa following the demise of Manohar Parrikar, the new CM is all set to prove the majority of his government in the floor test scheduled for Wednesday afternoon.

 
<a href="https://www.wionews.com/entertainment/anurag-kashyap-rajkummar-rao-tweet-in-support-of-savi-siddhu-the-actor-who-has-turned-watchman-204422">Anurag Kashyap, Rajkummar Rao tweet in support of Savi Siddhu, the actor who now works as a security guard</a>

The Internet was abuzz Tuesday with the news of actor Savi Siddhu who is now working as a security guard at a residential complex in Mumbai.&nbsp;

Siddhu has featured in several prominent films like Akshay Kumar starrer 'Patiala House', Anurag Kashyap's 'Black Friday', 'Gulal' and 'Paanch' among others in the past.&nbsp;

But owing to bad health, an acute financial crisis and a lack of roles, Siddhu now works as a security guard in Mumbai.&nbsp;

New Zealand begins to bury its dead after mosque massacre Hundreds of mourners gathered in a Christchurch cemetery on Wednesday for the first funerals of those killed in the twin mosque massacre as New Zealanders braced for days of emotional farewells following the mass slayings.

New Zealand begins to bury its dead after mosque massacre Hundreds of mourners gathered in a Christchurch cemetery on Wednesday for the first funerals of those killed in the twin mosque massacre as New Zealanders braced for days of emotional farewells following the mass slayings. 3 dead, many injured after under-construction building collapses in Karnataka's Dharwad At least three people were killed and several injured after an under-construction building collapsed in Karnataka's Dharwad's. Bolsonaro compliments Trump who replies Brazil could join NATO President Donald Trump heaped praise Tuesday on right-wing Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro — and received plenty back — in announcing a special relationship that he said could even see the Latin American country join NATO. At a joint news conference on the sun-soaked Rose Garden lawn, Trump and the man dubbed "Trump of the Tropics" let the mutual compliments flow. "I have always admired the United States of America. And this sense of admiration has just increased after you took office and the presidency," Bolsonaro said. New Goa CM Pramod Sawant to face floor test today A day after Bhartiya Janata Party's Pramod Sawant took charge as the new chief minister of Goa following the demise of Manohar Parrikar, the new CM is all set to prove the majority of his government in the floor test scheduled for Wednesday afternoon. Anurag Kashyap, Rajkummar Rao tweet in support of Savi Siddhu, the actor who now works as a security guard The Internet was abuzz Tuesday with the news of actor Savi Siddhu who is now working as a security guard at a residential complex in Mumbai. Siddhu has featured in several prominent films like Akshay Kumar starrer 'Patiala House', Anurag Kashyap's 'Black Friday', 'Gulal' and 'Paanch' among others in the past. But owing to bad health, an acute financial crisis and a lack of roles, Siddhu now works as a security guard in Mumbai.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has sparked shock and outrage by tweeting a video showing one man urinating on another during his country's massive annual street carnival.

"What is a golden shower?" Bolsonaro tweeted on Wednesday, a day after posting the video in which a barely dressed party-goer writhes atop a bus shelter, plays with his behind, and then bends over before another man urinates on his head.

"I do not feel comfortable showing this, but ... this is what many of the street parties in Brazil's carnival have turned into," Bolsonaro tweeted.

A former army captain, Bolsonaro came to power in 2018 at the head of a right-wing government after years of stirring controversy with homophobic, misogynistic and racist comments.

It remains to be seen whether he will face consequences over the posts. Leftist lawmaker Paulo Teixeira said on Twitter he would ask prosecutors to investigate whether Bolsonaro had broken privacy laws.

Twitter said in a statement that any violations of its content rules were "subject to appropriate measures" but declined to say whether the post constituted a violation.

Critics said Bolsonaro's tweets showed he was more focused on riling his progressive critics than building consensus in Congress for necessary reforms, such as an overhaul of the country's budget-busting pension system.

The president's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Local media said the video was filmed at a street party, or bloco, in Sao Paulo.

Brazil's most famous carnival celebrations take place in Rio de Janeiro, where Bolsonaro was a federal congressman for nearly three decades.

This year's carnival has become increasingly politicized in the wake of Bolsonaro's election and the 2018 murder of Rio councilwoman Marielle Franco, a gay and black rights activist whose 2018 murder remains unsolved.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has sparked shock and outrage by tweeting a video showing one man urinating on another during his country's massive annual street carnival.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has sparked shock and outrage by tweeting a video showing one man urinating on another during his country's massive annual street carnival. "What is a golden shower?" Bolsonaro tweeted on Wednesday, a day after posting the video in which a barely dressed party-goer writhes atop a bus shelter, plays with his behind, and then bends over before another man urinates on his head. "I do not feel comfortable showing this, but ... this is what many of the street parties in Brazil's carnival have turned into," Bolsonaro tweeted. A former army captain, Bolsonaro came to power in 2018 at the head of a right-wing government after years of stirring controversy with homophobic, misogynistic and racist comments. It remains to be seen whether he will face consequences over the posts. Leftist lawmaker Paulo Teixeira said on Twitter he would ask prosecutors to investigate whether Bolsonaro had broken privacy laws. Twitter said in a statement that any violations of its content rules were "subject to appropriate measures" but declined to say whether the post constituted a violation. Critics said Bolsonaro's tweets showed he was more focused on riling his progressive critics than building consensus in Congress for necessary reforms, such as an overhaul of the country's budget-busting pension system. The president's office did not immediately respond to a request for comment. Local media said the video was filmed at a street party, or bloco, in Sao Paulo. Brazil's most famous carnival celebrations take place in Rio de Janeiro, where Bolsonaro was a federal congressman for nearly three decades. This year's carnival has become increasingly politicized in the wake of Bolsonaro's election and the 2018 murder of Rio councilwoman Marielle Franco, a gay and black rights activist whose 2018 murder remains unsolved.

President Jair Bolsonaro shocks Brazil with 'golden shower' tweet

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro will pay his first official visits to the United States, Chile and Israel this month, in a clear sign of the alliances the far-right leader wants to shore up, official sources said Friday.

The former Army captain, who took office on January 1, will be in the United States on March 18-22 and in Chile on March 23, said Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo, quoted by state-owned Agencia Brasil.

At the end of March, Bolsonaro will travel to Israel, Araujo added. The Israeli foreign ministry said Wednesday that the Brazilian leader would be in that country from March 31 to April 4.

These will be Bolsonaro's first official visits as president. In January, he went to Switzerland to participate in the World Economic Forum in Davos.

Recent Brazilian presidents traditionally have made their first trips to neighbouring Argentina.

But Bolsonaro's itinerary represents the political and economic shifts he highlighted during his successful election campaign.

Bolsonaro, like US President Donald Trump, largely rejects multilateralism, and both want to oust embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, and see opposition leader Juan Guaido in his place.

In Chile, seen by Brazil's new economy minister Paulo Guedes as an economic success story, Bolsonaro will take part in the launch of the Prosur forum, which aims to promote development projects in South America.

In Israel, Bolsonaro will repay the visit made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Brazil for his inauguration.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro will pay his first official visits to the United States, Chile and Israel this month, in a clear sign of the alliances the far-right leader wants to shore up, official sources said Friday.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro will pay his first official visits to the United States, Chile and Israel this month, in a clear sign of the alliances the far-right leader wants to shore up, official sources said Friday. The former Army captain, who took office on January 1, will be in the United States on March 18-22 and in Chile on March 23, said Foreign Minister Ernesto Araujo, quoted by state-owned Agencia Brasil. At the end of March, Bolsonaro will travel to Israel, Araujo added. The Israeli foreign ministry said Wednesday that the Brazilian leader would be in that country from March 31 to April 4. These will be Bolsonaro's first official visits as president. In January, he went to Switzerland to participate in the World Economic Forum in Davos. Recent Brazilian presidents traditionally have made their first trips to neighbouring Argentina. But Bolsonaro's itinerary represents the political and economic shifts he highlighted during his successful election campaign. Bolsonaro, like US President Donald Trump, largely rejects multilateralism, and both want to oust embattled Venezuelan leader Nicolas Maduro, and see opposition leader Juan Guaido in his place. In Chile, seen by Brazil's new economy minister Paulo Guedes as an economic success story, Bolsonaro will take part in the launch of the Prosur forum, which aims to promote development projects in South America. In Israel, Bolsonaro will repay the visit made by Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu to Brazil for his inauguration.

Brazil's Jair  Bolsonaro to visit US, Chile, Israel

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido arrived early Thursday in Brazil for talks aimed at securing more support from President Jair Bolsonaro, press reports said.

Guaido, recognised as interim president by some 50 countries, travelled to the capital Brasilia from Colombia, where he has stayed since Friday despite a travel ban imposed by the regime of Venezuela's socialist leader Nicolas Maduro.

There are fears he might be arrested upon his return to Venezuela.

Guaido arrived in Brasilia around 0440 GMT, the news website G1 reported.

Bolsonaro "will host Guaido in a personal visit, although Guaido will be officially welcomed by the minister for foreign affairs," Ernesto Araujo, said the Brazilian presidency's spokesman Otavio Rego Barros.

He said the meeting with Bolsonaro would take place at 2:00 pm (1700 GMT) at the president's official workplace, Planalto Palace.

A statement from Guaido's envoy to Brazil, Maria Teresa Belandria, said he would also meet "a number of representatives of the diplomatic delegations in Brasilia (that) have recognized him as Venezuela's legitimate interim president."

Brazil and Colombia are Guaido allies that have been stockpiling humanitarian aid the National Assembly speaker wants to bring into Venezuela.

He failed to do so over the weekend, as a military blockade ordered by Maduro held firm.

Guaido had not yet decided if he will visit the border area with Venezuela where four people were killed in weekend clashes with Maduro's security services, a source in his camp said.

He met US Vice President Mike Pence at a Lima Group meeting with regional allies in Bogota on Monday, after which he said he would return home this week, despite having received threats.

"A prisoner is no use to anyone. Neither is a president in exile," Guaido told NTN24 television channel on Tuesday.

"My role and my duty is to be in Caracas, despite the risks and regardless of what that implies."

Maduro told US channel ABC News that Guaido would have to face justice when he returns as he flouted a ban on foreign travel.

Guaido has dismissed Maduro's authority as illegitimate over his controversial re-election in May polls that were boycotted by the opposition because many of its leaders were prevented from standing.

Venezuela has been struck by a humanitarian crisis that has left millions in poverty amid chronic shortages of basic necessities such as food and medication.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido arrived early Thursday in Brazil for talks aimed at securing more support from President Jair Bolsonaro, press reports said.

Venezuela's opposition leader Juan Guaido arrived early Thursday in Brazil for talks aimed at securing more support from President Jair Bolsonaro, press reports said. Guaido, recognised as interim president by some 50 countries, travelled to the capital Brasilia from Colombia, where he has stayed since Friday despite a travel ban imposed by the regime of Venezuela's socialist leader Nicolas Maduro. There are fears he might be arrested upon his return to Venezuela. Guaido arrived in Brasilia around 0440 GMT, the news website G1 reported. Bolsonaro "will host Guaido in a personal visit, although Guaido will be officially welcomed by the minister for foreign affairs," Ernesto Araujo, said the Brazilian presidency's spokesman Otavio Rego Barros. He said the meeting with Bolsonaro would take place at 2:00 pm (1700 GMT) at the president's official workplace, Planalto Palace. A statement from Guaido's envoy to Brazil, Maria Teresa Belandria, said he would also meet "a number of representatives of the diplomatic delegations in Brasilia (that) have recognized him as Venezuela's legitimate interim president." Brazil and Colombia are Guaido allies that have been stockpiling humanitarian aid the National Assembly speaker wants to bring into Venezuela. He failed to do so over the weekend, as a military blockade ordered by Maduro held firm. Guaido had not yet decided if he will visit the border area with Venezuela where four people were killed in weekend clashes with Maduro's security services, a source in his camp said. He met US Vice President Mike Pence at a Lima Group meeting with regional allies in Bogota on Monday, after which he said he would return home this week, despite having received threats. "A prisoner is no use to anyone. Neither is a president in exile," Guaido told NTN24 television channel on Tuesday. "My role and my duty is to be in Caracas, despite the risks and regardless of what that implies." Maduro told US channel ABC News that Guaido would have to face justice when he returns as he flouted a ban on foreign travel. Guaido has dismissed Maduro's authority as illegitimate over his controversial re-election in May polls that were boycotted by the opposition because many of its leaders were prevented from standing. Venezuela has been struck by a humanitarian crisis that has left millions in poverty amid chronic shortages of basic necessities such as food and medication.

Venezuela's Guaido arrives in Brazil to meet with president

Brazil's lower chamber handed right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro his first defeat in Congress on Tuesday, the day before his government presents its most important legislative proposal to rein in a gaping budget deficit and spur growth.

The house voted overwhelmingly to suspend an executive order by the Bolsonaro government that altered Brazil's freedom of information law to broaden the number of officials allowed to designate data and documents as secret or ultra-secret.

Lawmakers voted 367 to 57 to fast-track a bill overturning the secrecy measure and government whips were unable to muster votes to avoid defeat.

The bill must still be voted on by the Senate, but the reversal showed that Bolsonaro, who took office on Jan. 1, has not yet been able to organise a coalition in Congress to back his legislative agenda.

On Wednesday, Bolsonaro will send to Congress his plan to overhaul Brazil's generous and costly pension system that eats up more than half of federal spending and is the main factor behind an unsustainable budget deficit.

Approval of pension reform is vital for the recovery of investor confidence in Latin America's largest economy.

The defeat on the floor of the house came one day after Bolsonaro fired a senior minister amid a scandal involving campaign financing for some of his party's congressional candidates in the October elections.

The ousted minister, Gustavo Bebianno, was instrumental in getting Bolsonaro elected but had a run-in with one of the president's sons, triggering the weeks-old government's first cabinet crisis.

In a note to clients, analysts at Eurasia Group said the scandal indicated the administration's political team was in disarray, but they still expected the pension reform to get passed, albeit in a less ambitious version.

Brazil's lower chamber handed right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro his first defeat in Congress on Tuesday, the day before his government presents its most important legislative proposal to rein in a gaping budget deficit and spur growth.

Brazil's lower chamber handed right-wing President Jair Bolsonaro his first defeat in Congress on Tuesday, the day before his government presents its most important legislative proposal to rein in a gaping budget deficit and spur growth. The house voted overwhelmingly to suspend an executive order by the Bolsonaro government that altered Brazil's freedom of information law to broaden the number of officials allowed to designate data and documents as secret or ultra-secret. Lawmakers voted 367 to 57 to fast-track a bill overturning the secrecy measure and government whips were unable to muster votes to avoid defeat. The bill must still be voted on by the Senate, but the reversal showed that Bolsonaro, who took office on Jan. 1, has not yet been able to organise a coalition in Congress to back his legislative agenda. On Wednesday, Bolsonaro will send to Congress his plan to overhaul Brazil's generous and costly pension system that eats up more than half of federal spending and is the main factor behind an unsustainable budget deficit. Approval of pension reform is vital for the recovery of investor confidence in Latin America's largest economy. The defeat on the floor of the house came one day after Bolsonaro fired a senior minister amid a scandal involving campaign financing for some of his party's congressional candidates in the October elections. The ousted minister, Gustavo Bebianno, was instrumental in getting Bolsonaro elected but had a run-in with one of the president's sons, triggering the weeks-old government's first cabinet crisis. In a note to clients, analysts at Eurasia Group said the scandal indicated the administration's political team was in disarray, but they still expected the pension reform to get passed, albeit in a less ambitious version.

Brazil's Bolsonaro suffers first defeat in Congress

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, one of his politician sons and his ultraconservative party were embroiled in a crisis Sunday over a campaign finance scandal threatening the leader's anti-corruption image.

The 63-year-old far-right president, who is just six weeks into his mandate, spoke with top officials in his government Friday and Saturday to try to draw a line under the affair, after key allies turned on him.

Brazilian media, citing anonymous government sources, said the outcome could be the forced exit on Monday of one of his ministers, Gustavo Bebianno, a former chief of his Social Liberal Party who is reportedly suspected of misusing campaign funds in last year's election.

The furore could divert the president's attention as he tries to focus on other priorities, including a bill to reform Brazil's unsustainable pension system, and stepping up pressure on Venezuela as part of a US-led effort to topple President Nicolas Maduro.

Bebianno had tried to downplay the campaign finance allegations. He claimed he had spoken several times with Bolsonaro while the president spent the first half of this month in hospital following stomach surgery.

But one of Bolsonaro's sons, Carlos, denied on Twitter that any discussions took place and accused Bebianno of "lying."

That triggered a storm dividing Bolsonaro's allies.

Rodrigo Maia, the speaker in the lower chamber of Congress and a key figure to help push legislation in the looming pension reform bid, accused the president of using Carlos Bolsonaro -- a state legislator with no official federal government position -- to "ask a minister to resign" rather than finding a solution himself.

"If there's a problem, he (Bolsonaro) must find a solution, he cannot ... get his family to intervene as that creates insecurity," Maia told the Globo News channel.

Damaging scandal

Bebianno met with Bolsonaro on Friday to try to save his job. He later told a Globo News reporter, "I don't know" whether he would remain in his post.

The minister, who is in charge of helping to run the president's office, reportedly told a confidant he regretted helping get Bolsonaro elected.

"I never imagined he would be such a weak president," the G1 news website quoted him saying.

The scandal has thrown light on a suspected campaign financing tactic by some parties in Brazil to divert allocated funds for fake candidates who garner few votes.

Bolsonaro's tourism minister, Marcelo Alvaro Antonio, who belongs to the PSL, also is suspected of resorting to that tactic, though he denies it.

The allegations and the storm threw up by them, are damaging to Bolsonaro, who comfortably won elections last October in large part by vowing to stamp out corruption.

That reputation has been further sullied by suspicions of illegal financial transactions surrounding another of Bolsonaro's sons, Flavio, who is a senator.

A third politician son, Eduardo, a federal lawmaker, has embraced a nationalist politics platform created by Steve Bannon, US President Donald Trump's former strategist.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, one of his politician sons and his ultraconservative party were embroiled in a crisis Sunday over a campaign finance scandal threatening the leader's anti-corruption image.

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro, one of his politician sons and his ultraconservative party were embroiled in a crisis Sunday over a campaign finance scandal threatening the leader's anti-corruption image. The 63-year-old far-right president, who is just six weeks into his mandate, spoke with top officials in his government Friday and Saturday to try to draw a line under the affair, after key allies turned on him. Brazilian media, citing anonymous government sources, said the outcome could be the forced exit on Monday of one of his ministers, Gustavo Bebianno, a former chief of his Social Liberal Party who is reportedly suspected of misusing campaign funds in last year's election. The furore could divert the president's attention as he tries to focus on other priorities, including a bill to reform Brazil's unsustainable pension system, and stepping up pressure on Venezuela as part of a US-led effort to topple President Nicolas Maduro. Bebianno had tried to downplay the campaign finance allegations. He claimed he had spoken several times with Bolsonaro while the president spent the first half of this month in hospital following stomach surgery. But one of Bolsonaro's sons, Carlos, denied on Twitter that any discussions took place and accused Bebianno of "lying." That triggered a storm dividing Bolsonaro's allies. Rodrigo Maia, the speaker in the lower chamber of Congress and a key figure to help push legislation in the looming pension reform bid, accused the president of using Carlos Bolsonaro -- a state legislator with no official federal government position -- to "ask a minister to resign" rather than finding a solution himself. "If there's a problem, he (Bolsonaro) must find a solution, he cannot ... get his family to intervene as that creates insecurity," Maia told the Globo News channel. Damaging scandal Bebianno met with Bolsonaro on Friday to try to save his job. He later told a Globo News reporter, "I don't know" whether he would remain in his post. The minister, who is in charge of helping to run the president's office, reportedly told a confidant he regretted helping get Bolsonaro elected. "I never imagined he would be such a weak president," the G1 news website quoted him saying. The scandal has thrown light on a suspected campaign financing tactic by some parties in Brazil to divert allocated funds for fake candidates who garner few votes. Bolsonaro's tourism minister, Marcelo Alvaro Antonio, who belongs to the PSL, also is suspected of resorting to that tactic, though he denies it. The allegations and the storm threw up by them, are damaging to Bolsonaro, who comfortably won elections last October in large part by vowing to stamp out corruption. That reputation has been further sullied by suspicions of illegal financial transactions surrounding another of Bolsonaro's sons, Flavio, who is a senator. A third politician son, Eduardo, a federal lawmaker, has embraced a nationalist politics platform created by Steve Bannon, US President Donald Trump's former strategist.

Brazil president Jair Bolsonaro in grips of party crisis

Rightist Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was discharged here Wednesday from one of Latin America's premier hospitals after being hospitalized for 17 days following a colostomy reversal and receiving a level of treatment that is inaccessible to most of his countrymen.

The 63-year-old Bolsonaro had been recovering at Sao Paulo's Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital from an operation to remove a colostomy bag, which was inserted after he was <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brazilian-presidential-candidate-stabbed-undergoes-surgery-to-repair-liver-164170">stabbed in the abdomen in September </a>during a campaign rally in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais.

Bolsonaro has undergone three successful surgeries since the near-fatal attack, including the January 27 colostomy reversal, but his latest hospital stay had to be lengthened because he was diagnosed last week with pneumonia and needed an increased dose of antibiotics.

On Wednesday, he said on Twitter while travelling by plane from Sao Paulo to Brasilia that the risk of death from September 6, 2018, stabbing can finally be definitively ruled out.

"I can only thank God and everyone that I'll finally be able to get back to work as normal," Bolsonaro added.

Shortly after the attack, which occurred just weeks before he was elected, the then-candidate underwent a surgical procedure (colostomy) in which one end of the colon (large intestine) is diverted through an incision in the abdominal wall.

This creates a stoma (opening in the skin) where a pouch for collecting faeces is attached.

In Bolsonaro's case, that procedure was necessary for the wake of the stabbing to avoid complications in the region where the initial emergency surgery was performed.

The colostomy reversal is a procedure that reverses the colostomy process and re-establishes the flow of waste through the gastrointestinal tract.

In comments last weekend on social media from his specially prepared hospital room at one of the region's most exclusive medical centres, Bolsonaro was the first to acknowledge his privileged situation.

"We know that few people could have treatment like this, but we're fully aware that our SUS (Brazil's publicly funded health-care system) can improve a great deal. We'll do everything possible to make that a reality," Bolsonaro said Sunday in a video uploaded to his Twitter account.

According to the medical institution, the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital was born out of a "meeting of friends" in 1955 in which Dr Manoel Tabacow Hidal proposed that a hospital is founded as a gesture of thanks to Brazilians for welcoming Jewish immigrants after World War II.

Located in the upscale Morumbi neighbourhood on Sao Paulo's west side, the list of former patients also includes soccer legend Pepe and other prominent Brazilians.

Its main competitor is Sao Paulo-based Hospital Sirio-Libanes, a private facility known as the "hospital of the powerful" where three ex-presidents, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Dilma Rousseff and Michel Temer, have received treatment.

The reality for these individuals is very different from that of many Brazilians forced to rely on an overcrowded and deficient public-health system. For those with only basic coverage, the wait for a colostomy reversal, for example, can be more than a year.

That has been the experience of 64-year-old Isaque Ferreira da Silva, who has been forced to wear a colostomy bag for 14 months.

He underwent emergency surgery at a public hospital in Sao Paulo in December 2017 after doctors detected a bowel perforation. A colostomy was performed and he still has the colostomy bag attached to his body.

"I have to do a test first and until I do that test I can't have the surgery" to reverse the colostomy, Ferreira da Silva, who still is able to work part-time as an electrician or a plumber, told EFE.

His problem - one that reflects the precarious state of Brazil's public health system - is that the machine needed for his pre-surgery colonoscopy was broken nearly all of last year.

"In a private hospital, those exams cost 870 reais (roughly $230). I don't have that kind of money, not to do that test," said Ferreira da Silva, who has not worked full-time for a year because the risk of possible damage to the colostomy bag prevents him from lifting anything heavy.

Sources with Brazil's public-health system confirmed to EFE that there can be a significant wait for a colostomy reversal because more urgent cases take priority.

It is recommended that surgery for the removal of the colostomy bag, which must be emptied daily and changed once a week on average, be performed three months after the colostomy if the patient is in optimal condition to undergo the procedure.

More than 30 years after SUS was created in 1988, the challenge of efficiently financing Brazil's public-health system - which 80 per cent of Brazil's 200 million people rely on exclusively for medical care - remains unmet.

Among the effects of a drop in spending in that sector, the number of hospital beds nationwide has declined by 34,000 over the past eight years, according to the Federal Council of Medicine (CFM), the agency tasked with professional regulation and medical licensing in Brazil.

As Ferreira da Silva sees it, all that's left for the poor is the worst of the worst. 
&nbsp;

Rightist Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was discharged here Wednesday from one of Latin America's premier hospitals after being hospitalized for 17 days following a colostomy reversal and receiving a level of treatment that is inaccessible to most of his countrymen.

Rightist Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro was discharged here Wednesday from one of Latin America's premier hospitals after being hospitalized for 17 days following a colostomy reversal and receiving a level of treatment that is inaccessible to most of his countrymen. The 63-year-old Bolsonaro had been recovering at Sao Paulo's Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital from an operation to remove a colostomy bag, which was inserted after he was stabbed in the abdomen in September during a campaign rally in the southeastern state of Minas Gerais. Bolsonaro has undergone three successful surgeries since the near-fatal attack, including the January 27 colostomy reversal, but his latest hospital stay had to be lengthened because he was diagnosed last week with pneumonia and needed an increased dose of antibiotics. On Wednesday, he said on Twitter while travelling by plane from Sao Paulo to Brasilia that the risk of death from September 6, 2018, stabbing can finally be definitively ruled out. "I can only thank God and everyone that I'll finally be able to get back to work as normal," Bolsonaro added. Shortly after the attack, which occurred just weeks before he was elected, the then-candidate underwent a surgical procedure (colostomy) in which one end of the colon (large intestine) is diverted through an incision in the abdominal wall. This creates a stoma (opening in the skin) where a pouch for collecting faeces is attached. In Bolsonaro's case, that procedure was necessary for the wake of the stabbing to avoid complications in the region where the initial emergency surgery was performed. The colostomy reversal is a procedure that reverses the colostomy process and re-establishes the flow of waste through the gastrointestinal tract. In comments last weekend on social media from his specially prepared hospital room at one of the region's most exclusive medical centres, Bolsonaro was the first to acknowledge his privileged situation. "We know that few people could have treatment like this, but we're fully aware that our SUS (Brazil's publicly funded health-care system) can improve a great deal. We'll do everything possible to make that a reality," Bolsonaro said Sunday in a video uploaded to his Twitter account. According to the medical institution, the Albert Einstein Israelite Hospital was born out of a "meeting of friends" in 1955 in which Dr Manoel Tabacow Hidal proposed that a hospital is founded as a gesture of thanks to Brazilians for welcoming Jewish immigrants after World War II. Located in the upscale Morumbi neighbourhood on Sao Paulo's west side, the list of former patients also includes soccer legend Pepe and other prominent Brazilians. Its main competitor is Sao Paulo-based Hospital Sirio-Libanes, a private facility known as the "hospital of the powerful" where three ex-presidents, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, Dilma Rousseff and Michel Temer, have received treatment. The reality for these individuals is very different from that of many Brazilians forced to rely on an overcrowded and deficient public-health system. For those with only basic coverage, the wait for a colostomy reversal, for example, can be more than a year. That has been the experience of 64-year-old Isaque Ferreira da Silva, who has been forced to wear a colostomy bag for 14 months. He underwent emergency surgery at a public hospital in Sao Paulo in December 2017 after doctors detected a bowel perforation. A colostomy was performed and he still has the colostomy bag attached to his body. "I have to do a test first and until I do that test I can't have the surgery" to reverse the colostomy, Ferreira da Silva, who still is able to work part-time as an electrician or a plumber, told EFE. His problem - one that reflects the precarious state of Brazil's public health system - is that the machine needed for his pre-surgery colonoscopy was broken nearly all of last year. "In a private hospital, those exams cost 870 reais (roughly $230). I don't have that kind of money, not to do that test," said Ferreira da Silva, who has not worked full-time for a year because the risk of possible damage to the colostomy bag prevents him from lifting anything heavy. Sources with Brazil's public-health system confirmed to EFE that there can be a significant wait for a colostomy reversal because more urgent cases take priority. It is recommended that surgery for the removal of the colostomy bag, which must be emptied daily and changed once a week on average, be performed three months after the colostomy if the patient is in optimal condition to undergo the procedure. More than 30 years after SUS was created in 1988, the challenge of efficiently financing Brazil's public-health system - which 80 per cent of Brazil's 200 million people rely on exclusively for medical care - remains unmet. Among the effects of a drop in spending in that sector, the number of hospital beds nationwide has declined by 34,000 over the past eight years, according to the Federal Council of Medicine (CFM), the agency tasked with professional regulation and medical licensing in Brazil. As Ferreira da Silva sees it, all that's left for the poor is the worst of the worst.

President Jair Bolsonaro's elite level of medical care inaccessible to most Brazilians

A collapse of a disused dam at an iron-ore mine complex in southeast Brazil killed at least nine people and left 300 missing, officials said, as they sought to evaluate the full scope of the disaster.

The tailings dam, owned by Brazilian mining giant Vale, broke apart "very violently, very suddenly," sending a massive torrent of mud over the complex where hundreds of employees were working, Vale CEO Fabio Schvartsman told a news conference in Rio de Janeiro.

The deluge rumbled on to the nearby town of Brumadinho, located southwest of the city of Belo Horizonte, cutting a swath through vegetation, farmland and roads, and impeding access to the area.

The death toll was expected to rise, as rescue teams scoured through the disaster zone overnight into Saturday. Dozens of helicopters were being used.

Brazil's new government led by President Jair Bolsonaro reacted to its first big emergency since taking office early this month by launching disaster coordination between the defence, mining and environment ministries and authorities in the affected state of Minas Gerais.

Bolsonaro and his defence minister were to fly over the zone on Saturday. His environment minister raced to the area late Friday.

An AFP photographer viewing the zone from the air described tractors, houses and a bridge submerged in mud, and emergency crews using earth-moving machinery to search for survivors.

Television images earlier showed helicopters being used to rescue people stuck in mud.

'Human tragedy'

Schvartsman called the dam break "a human tragedy because we're talking about probably a large number of victims -- we don't know how many but we know it will be a high number."

Schvartsman, who had his two-year term renewed last month by Vale's board, said it was an "inactive dam" that was in the process of being decommissioned that burst apart.

Its contents -- tailings, or mining byproducts mixed with water -- cascaded into another dam, which overflowed, he said.&nbsp;

The liquid, brown mass barreled on towards Brumadinho, population 39,000, but did not deal it a direct hit.

The Minas Gerais government statement said 427 people had been working at the Vale mine at the time of the dam collapse, and 279 were recovered alive. The others were listed as missing.

"Where are our relatives?" wailed Raquel Cristina, one of several people demanding information in Belo Horizonte about their kin in the mud-hit area.&nbsp;

"My five-year-old nephew is asking me if his dad died. What do I tell him?" asked another, Olivia Rios.

Romeo Zema, the governor of Minas Gerais state, told reporters that, while all was being done to find survivors, "from now, the odds are minimal and it is most likely we will recover only bodies."

Vale shares plunge&nbsp;

Shares in Vale plummeted eight per cent in New York trading Friday. The Sao Paulo stock market was closed for a holiday.

The disaster recalled trauma from a 2015 dam break in a different part of the same state of Minas Gerais, in Mariana, in which 19 people died.&nbsp;

That accident three years ago released millions of tons of toxic iron waste along hundreds of kilometres (miles), causing what is considered the country's worst environmental disaster. Vale was joint operator of that dam, along with the Anglo-Australian group BHP.

The Brazil office of Greenpeace, the environmental activist group, said Friday's dam break was "a sad consequence of the lessons not learned by the Brazilian government and the mining companies."

It said that the incidents "are not accidents but environmental crimes that must be investigated, punished and repaired."

Civil defence officials said people living in low-lying areas of Brumadinho had been evacuated after the collapse.

Vale issued a statement saying it had set up shelters for residents left homeless.

Brumadinho's municipality issued an alert on social media warning residents to move away from the Paraopeba river that the dam had been holding back.

The town is best known to tourists for Inhotim, an outdoor contemporary art museum, which was evacuated as a precaution. The venue receives 35,000 visitors a month.

A collapse of a disused dam at an iron-ore mine complex in southeast Brazil killed at least nine people and left 300 missing, officials said, as they sought to evaluate the full scope of the disaster.

A collapse of a disused dam at an iron-ore mine complex in southeast Brazil killed at least nine people and left 300 missing, officials said, as they sought to evaluate the full scope of the disaster. The tailings dam, owned by Brazilian mining giant Vale, broke apart "very violently, very suddenly," sending a massive torrent of mud over the complex where hundreds of employees were working, Vale CEO Fabio Schvartsman told a news conference in Rio de Janeiro. The deluge rumbled on to the nearby town of Brumadinho, located southwest of the city of Belo Horizonte, cutting a swath through vegetation, farmland and roads, and impeding access to the area. The death toll was expected to rise, as rescue teams scoured through the disaster zone overnight into Saturday. Dozens of helicopters were being used. Brazil's new government led by President Jair Bolsonaro reacted to its first big emergency since taking office early this month by launching disaster coordination between the defence, mining and environment ministries and authorities in the affected state of Minas Gerais. Bolsonaro and his defence minister were to fly over the zone on Saturday. His environment minister raced to the area late Friday. An AFP photographer viewing the zone from the air described tractors, houses and a bridge submerged in mud, and emergency crews using earth-moving machinery to search for survivors. Television images earlier showed helicopters being used to rescue people stuck in mud. 'Human tragedy' Schvartsman called the dam break "a human tragedy because we're talking about probably a large number of victims -- we don't know how many but we know it will be a high number." Schvartsman, who had his two-year term renewed last month by Vale's board, said it was an "inactive dam" that was in the process of being decommissioned that burst apart. Its contents -- tailings, or mining byproducts mixed with water -- cascaded into another dam, which overflowed, he said. The liquid, brown mass barreled on towards Brumadinho, population 39,000, but did not deal it a direct hit. The Minas Gerais government statement said 427 people had been working at the Vale mine at the time of the dam collapse, and 279 were recovered alive. The others were listed as missing. "Where are our relatives?" wailed Raquel Cristina, one of several people demanding information in Belo Horizonte about their kin in the mud-hit area. "My five-year-old nephew is asking me if his dad died. What do I tell him?" asked another, Olivia Rios. Romeo Zema, the governor of Minas Gerais state, told reporters that, while all was being done to find survivors, "from now, the odds are minimal and it is most likely we will recover only bodies." Vale shares plunge Shares in Vale plummeted eight per cent in New York trading Friday. The Sao Paulo stock market was closed for a holiday. The disaster recalled trauma from a 2015 dam break in a different part of the same state of Minas Gerais, in Mariana, in which 19 people died. That accident three years ago released millions of tons of toxic iron waste along hundreds of kilometres (miles), causing what is considered the country's worst environmental disaster. Vale was joint operator of that dam, along with the Anglo-Australian group BHP. The Brazil office of Greenpeace, the environmental activist group, said Friday's dam break was "a sad consequence of the lessons not learned by the Brazilian government and the mining companies." It said that the incidents "are not accidents but environmental crimes that must be investigated, punished and repaired." Civil defence officials said people living in low-lying areas of Brumadinho had been evacuated after the collapse. Vale issued a statement saying it had set up shelters for residents left homeless. Brumadinho's municipality issued an alert on social media warning residents to move away from the Paraopeba river that the dam had been holding back. The town is best known to tourists for Inhotim, an outdoor contemporary art museum, which was evacuated as a precaution. The venue receives 35,000 visitors a month.

At least 9 dead, 300 missing in Brazil dam collapse disaster

Brazilian authorities have detected a series of suspicious cash transfers amounting to around $30,000 into the bank account of <a href="http://www.wionews.com/opinions/brazilian-president-jair-bolsonaro-has-got-the-environmentalists-worried-188740">President Jair Bolsonaro</a>'s eldest son, according to a report.

The exclusive report aired Friday on Jornal Nacional, Brazil's most respected newscast, said that 48 deposits of 2,000 reais each were deposited into the bank account of Senator-elect Flavio Bolsonaro between June and July 2017, when he was a Rio de Janeiro state lawmaker.

That totals to 96,000 reais or about $30,000 at the average exchange rate of that year.

A Council for Financial Activities Control (COAF) document quoted in the report said the origin of the money was unclear, but the fact that they were all of the same amounts and made at a bank at Rio's state legislative assembly, where <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/bolsonaro-loosens-gun-laws-in-murder-ridden-brazil-190671">Bolsonaro worked</a>, made them suspicious.

The news broke a day after Brazil's supreme court temporarily suspended a probe into transactions in the bank account of Flavio Bolsonaro's driver, Fabricio Queiroz, which totalled $300,000 — an amount deemed suspicious because it does not appear to be commensurate with his income.

One of the transfers was a deposit of $6,400 into the account of Michelle Bolsonaro, the president's wife.

Flavio Bolsonaro and Queiroz both deny any wrongdoing.&nbsp;

In a television interview late December, Quieroz denied acting as a front for the Bolsonaros and said the money came from side businesses he ran, "buying cars, selling cars."

The president has tried to downplay the affair, saying that if any "mistake" was made it would be "paid." He said the payment from Quieroz's account to his wife was partial repayment of an undeclared loan he had made to his son's driver.

The stories are hugely embarrassing for Bolsonaro, who swept to power zero tolerance for corruption and vowed to end years of political graft that damaged his country's reputation.

The exclusive report aired Friday on Jornal Nacional, said that 48 deposits of 2,000 reais each were deposited into the bank account of Senator-elect Flavio Bolsonaro between June and July 2017.

Brazilian authorities have detected a series of suspicious cash transfers amounting to around $30,000 into the bank account of President Jair Bolsonaro's eldest son, according to a report. The exclusive report aired Friday on Jornal Nacional, Brazil's most respected newscast, said that 48 deposits of 2,000 reais each were deposited into the bank account of Senator-elect Flavio Bolsonaro between June and July 2017, when he was a Rio de Janeiro state lawmaker. That totals to 96,000 reais or about $30,000 at the average exchange rate of that year. A Council for Financial Activities Control (COAF) document quoted in the report said the origin of the money was unclear, but the fact that they were all of the same amounts and made at a bank at Rio's state legislative assembly, where Bolsonaro worked, made them suspicious. The news broke a day after Brazil's supreme court temporarily suspended a probe into transactions in the bank account of Flavio Bolsonaro's driver, Fabricio Queiroz, which totalled $300,000 — an amount deemed suspicious because it does not appear to be commensurate with his income. One of the transfers was a deposit of $6,400 into the account of Michelle Bolsonaro, the president's wife. Flavio Bolsonaro and Queiroz both deny any wrongdoing. In a television interview late December, Quieroz denied acting as a front for the Bolsonaros and said the money came from side businesses he ran, "buying cars, selling cars." The president has tried to downplay the affair, saying that if any "mistake" was made it would be "paid." He said the payment from Quieroz's account to his wife was partial repayment of an undeclared loan he had made to his son's driver. The stories are hugely embarrassing for Bolsonaro, who swept to power zero tolerance for corruption and vowed to end years of political graft that damaged his country's reputation.

Suspicious deposits made to account of Brazil president's son: Report

By Anthony Pereira

The inauguration of Brazil’s new president, Jair Bolsonaro, has triggered fears that rates of deforestation in the Amazon will increase. There are indeed good reasons for concern about Bolsonaro’s administration. But several factors, both domestic and transnational, could constrain its ability to wreak environmental damage.

First, some bad news: Bolsonaro and his cabinet do seem to view environmental concerns as an obstacle to development. For instance, the new environment minister, Ricardo Salles, said that the debate over climate change was a “secondary issue” and was recently convicted in court of fraudulently favouring mining companies when he was state secretary for the environment in São Paulo. Under Salles’ leadership, the ministry will probably suffer budget cuts, and it has already lost key departments.

Furthermore, Bolsonaro has said he wants to restrict the ability of IBAMA, the forest protection agency, to fine individuals and companies that illegally deforest and pollute. And, while the rate of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon fell overall by roughly 75 per cent between 2004 and 2017, it has gone back up again even before Bolsonaro took office. Between August 2017 and July 2018, deforestation increased by an estimated 13.7 per cent.

Bolsonaro also recently tweeted that he wants to free Brazilian agribusiness from dependence on imported fertiliser (75% comes from abroad). However, mining the ingredients in Brazil could do further environmental damage. For example, the largest recently discovered deposit of potassium, used to make fertiliser, is on the banks of the River Madeira in the Amazon.

The new president also appears to favour more dam-building (there are proposals to build 334 dams in the Amazon). He also backed away from the previous commitment of the Brazilian government to host the next UN climate conference later this year. And, on his first day in office, Bolsonaro signed a provisional measure transferring authority to demarcate indigenous lands from the justice ministry to the agriculture ministry, thereby making it highly likely that – as he promised – no new indigenous reserves will be created on his watch.

Brazil’s environmental movement 
 
Bolsonaro does face some constraints. The new president speaks as if agribusiness and the protection of the environment are incompatible – and appears to want to sacrifice the environment for farming, mining and logging. But other voices will have a say, and at least some heed will be given to the view that sustainable agriculture which preserves biodiversity is better both for Brazil’s development prospects and for the world’s climate.

Before his inauguration, Bolsonaro said that he wanted to subordinate the environment ministry to the agriculture ministry. He was persuaded to drop this idea, due in part to criticisms from environmental NGOs and federal civil servants in environmental agencies. Some agricultural interests even spoke out, because they fear that their international image and access to markets, especially the European Union, could be damaged by being associated with deforestation.

Brazil also has an environmental movement that is as old as its counterparts in Europe and North America. It was the strength of this movement that ensured the country’s 1988 constitution has several ecological safeguards in place, including conservation areas, indigenous reserves and the environmental licensing system. José Lutzenberger, an environmental pioneer and former environment minister, helped to organise the Eco 92 conference in Rio and demarcate the huge Yanomami indigenous reserve.

The Rio conference was part of a process that eventually led to the 2015 Paris Agreement, where Brazilian participation was important. And, in his last days in office, outgoing president Michel Temer delivered a report to his successor that recommended that Brazil stay in the Paris Agreement and pursue the goal of achieving a zero-carbon economy by 2060.

Pressure from overseas 
 
External actors can also pressure the Bolsonaro administration. For example, the government of Norway has contributed 93 per cnt of the money disbursed by the Amazon Fund to 102 different projects, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. These funds provide incentives to enforce environmental laws and create sustainable livelihoods in the rainforest.

Norway’s contributions are tied to maintaining rates of deforestation to specified limits, a fact Temer was reminded of by his hosts on a visit to Oslo in June 2017.

Pay attention to facts on the ground 
 
The Bolsonaro administration is likely to move quietly to achieve some of its objectives. In addition to weakening the environment ministry, it could informally signal to state governors and congressional delegations that the laws regarding deforestation will no longer be rigorously enforced. Observers, therefore, have to be attentive to facts on the ground. Civil society organisations and journalists in the Amazon working for publications such as InfoAmazonia and O Eco are particularly good sources of information. There is some transnational support for these journalists. For example, the Pulitzer Centre is administering a Rainforest Journalism Fund, financed by the Norwegian government, which gives grants to journalists reporting on deforestation.

Brazil’s foreign minister Ernesto Araújo claims that initiatives such as the 2015 Paris Agreement are liberal, “globalist” and part of a gigantic “cultural Marxist” propaganda machine. From this perspective, international NGOs and foreign states are violating Brazilian sovereignty by interfering in the Amazon.

But this is a smokescreen. In the Paris Agreement, the Brazilian government voluntarily committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 37 per cent by 2025 and 43 per cent by 2030, with 2005 as the baseline year. The Brazilian Climate Change Forum that produced this commitment had input from 340 different government entities, businesses, NGOs, and academics. And the country already has various advantages when it comes to making the transition to a low-carbon economy, including relatively clean energy and 60m hectares of degraded pasture land that could be reforested.

Preserving the Amazon rainforest is of fundamental importance to the planet, and there are many people in Brazil who want to do that. They reject the notion that development and environmental protection are mutually exclusive, and support reorienting the Amazonian economy towards sustainable livelihoods. It remains to be seen whether their vision will prevail in the years to come. 
 
(Anthony Pereira is Director, King's Brazil Institute, King's College London)

(This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the <a href="https://theconversation.com/jair-bolsonaro-can-be-stopped-from-trashing-the-amazon-heres-how-109346">original article</a>)

(Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

&nbsp;

By Anthony Pereira The inauguration of Brazil’s new president, Jair Bolsonaro, has triggered fears that rates of deforestation in the Amazon will increase. There are indeed good reasons for concern about Bolsonaro’s administration.

By Anthony Pereira The inauguration of Brazil’s new president, Jair Bolsonaro, has triggered fears that rates of deforestation in the Amazon will increase. There are indeed good reasons for concern about Bolsonaro’s administration. But several factors, both domestic and transnational, could constrain its ability to wreak environmental damage. First, some bad news: Bolsonaro and his cabinet do seem to view environmental concerns as an obstacle to development. For instance, the new environment minister, Ricardo Salles, said that the debate over climate change was a “secondary issue” and was recently convicted in court of fraudulently favouring mining companies when he was state secretary for the environment in São Paulo. Under Salles’ leadership, the ministry will probably suffer budget cuts, and it has already lost key departments. Furthermore, Bolsonaro has said he wants to restrict the ability of IBAMA, the forest protection agency, to fine individuals and companies that illegally deforest and pollute. And, while the rate of deforestation in the Brazilian Amazon fell overall by roughly 75 per cent between 2004 and 2017, it has gone back up again even before Bolsonaro took office. Between August 2017 and July 2018, deforestation increased by an estimated 13.7 per cent. Bolsonaro also recently tweeted that he wants to free Brazilian agribusiness from dependence on imported fertiliser (75% comes from abroad). However, mining the ingredients in Brazil could do further environmental damage. For example, the largest recently discovered deposit of potassium, used to make fertiliser, is on the banks of the River Madeira in the Amazon. The new president also appears to favour more dam-building (there are proposals to build 334 dams in the Amazon). He also backed away from the previous commitment of the Brazilian government to host the next UN climate conference later this year. And, on his first day in office, Bolsonaro signed a provisional measure transferring authority to demarcate indigenous lands from the justice ministry to the agriculture ministry, thereby making it highly likely that – as he promised – no new indigenous reserves will be created on his watch. Brazil’s environmental movement Bolsonaro does face some constraints. The new president speaks as if agribusiness and the protection of the environment are incompatible – and appears to want to sacrifice the environment for farming, mining and logging. But other voices will have a say, and at least some heed will be given to the view that sustainable agriculture which preserves biodiversity is better both for Brazil’s development prospects and for the world’s climate. Before his inauguration, Bolsonaro said that he wanted to subordinate the environment ministry to the agriculture ministry. He was persuaded to drop this idea, due in part to criticisms from environmental NGOs and federal civil servants in environmental agencies. Some agricultural interests even spoke out, because they fear that their international image and access to markets, especially the European Union, could be damaged by being associated with deforestation. Brazil also has an environmental movement that is as old as its counterparts in Europe and North America. It was the strength of this movement that ensured the country’s 1988 constitution has several ecological safeguards in place, including conservation areas, indigenous reserves and the environmental licensing system. José Lutzenberger, an environmental pioneer and former environment minister, helped to organise the Eco 92 conference in Rio and demarcate the huge Yanomami indigenous reserve. The Rio conference was part of a process that eventually led to the 2015 Paris Agreement, where Brazilian participation was important. And, in his last days in office, outgoing president Michel Temer delivered a report to his successor that recommended that Brazil stay in the Paris Agreement and pursue the goal of achieving a zero-carbon economy by 2060. Pressure from overseas External actors can also pressure the Bolsonaro administration. For example, the government of Norway has contributed 93 per cnt of the money disbursed by the Amazon Fund to 102 different projects, amounting to hundreds of millions of dollars. These funds provide incentives to enforce environmental laws and create sustainable livelihoods in the rainforest. Norway’s contributions are tied to maintaining rates of deforestation to specified limits, a fact Temer was reminded of by his hosts on a visit to Oslo in June 2017. Pay attention to facts on the ground The Bolsonaro administration is likely to move quietly to achieve some of its objectives. In addition to weakening the environment ministry, it could informally signal to state governors and congressional delegations that the laws regarding deforestation will no longer be rigorously enforced. Observers, therefore, have to be attentive to facts on the ground. Civil society organisations and journalists in the Amazon working for publications such as InfoAmazonia and O Eco are particularly good sources of information. There is some transnational support for these journalists. For example, the Pulitzer Centre is administering a Rainforest Journalism Fund, financed by the Norwegian government, which gives grants to journalists reporting on deforestation. Brazil’s foreign minister Ernesto Araújo claims that initiatives such as the 2015 Paris Agreement are liberal, “globalist” and part of a gigantic “cultural Marxist” propaganda machine. From this perspective, international NGOs and foreign states are violating Brazilian sovereignty by interfering in the Amazon. But this is a smokescreen. In the Paris Agreement, the Brazilian government voluntarily committed to reduce its greenhouse gas emissions by 37 per cent by 2025 and 43 per cent by 2030, with 2005 as the baseline year. The Brazilian Climate Change Forum that produced this commitment had input from 340 different government entities, businesses, NGOs, and academics. And the country already has various advantages when it comes to making the transition to a low-carbon economy, including relatively clean energy and 60m hectares of degraded pasture land that could be reforested. Preserving the Amazon rainforest is of fundamental importance to the planet, and there are many people in Brazil who want to do that. They reject the notion that development and environmental protection are mutually exclusive, and support reorienting the Amazonian economy towards sustainable livelihoods. It remains to be seen whether their vision will prevail in the years to come. (Anthony Pereira is Director, King's Brazil Institute, King's College London) (This article was originally published on The Conversation. Read the original article) (Disclaimer: The opinions expressed above are the personal views of the author and do not reflect the views of ZMCL)

Brazilian president Jair Bolsonaro has got the environmentalists worried

Brazil's stock market closed at a record high on Wednesday, one day after new President Jair Bolsonaro took office and in anticipation of economic reforms his government is expected to implement.

The Ibovespa index in Sao Paulo's stock market finished 3.56 per cent up at 91,012 points. Markets were closed on Tuesday for the January 1 holiday.

Hopes of a turnaround for Latin America's biggest economy, which has been limping ever since exiting its worst-ever recession two years ago, were spurred by promises that Bolsonaro's team will cut spending and debt.

New Economy Minister Paulo Guedes said Wednesday that reforming the country's unsustainable pension system was the government's "biggest challenge" as it made good on those pledges.

Guedes said Brazil had to be re-made after suffering years of expanding public spending and statist decision-making.

Brazil "was corrupted by excessive spending and stopped growing because of excessive spending," he said.

"Reforming pensions is the key to correcting this problem."

In Brazil, workers can often take retirement in their mid-50s, earlier than in comparable countries, and with pensions that are often around 70 per cent of their final salaries.

Maintaining that system consumes around a third of government spending -- a proportion that will only go up as Brazil ages -- and increases its debt. Analysts say that without reform, the system will push the country to insolvency.

No 'superministry'

Even though his ministry is taking on added responsibilities for industry, trade, labour and planning, Guedes rejected the notion that he was heading up a "superministry."

"No one can resolve all of Brazil's problems alone. We need all three (government) powers to be involved," he said.

He listed his priorities as "opening the economy, simplifying taxes, privatizing, decentralizing resources, and focusing as well on social issues."

Investors are anticipating a substantial privatization program. Shares in state power firm Eletrobras jumped 20.7 per cent on expectations some of its assets would be sold off.

Guedes, 69, is a magnet for investor optimism in Bolsonaro's cabinet. The US-trained economist is a strong advocate of free-market values, which stands in contrast with Brazil's history of protectionism.

Speaking as he took up his functions, Guedes hailed the decision by the outgoing centre-right government to freeze public spending for 20 years. But he said more reforms were needed "to create a virtuous circle."

Observers were uncertain just how far Bolsonaro will let Guedes go in privatizing state companies.&nbsp;

While the new president agrees in principle to liberalizing the economy, he has voiced wariness about selling off core assets of Eletrobras or state oil company Petrobras.

Also, seven of the government's 22 ministries are now held by ex-military officers who may be opposed to a sale of Brazilian national assets -- and for any cuts to pensions that former military personnel do well from.

The Ibovespa index in Sao Paulo's stock market finished 3.56 per cent up at 91,012 points. Markets were closed on Tuesday for the January 1 holiday.

Brazil's stock market closed at a record high on Wednesday, one day after new President Jair Bolsonaro took office and in anticipation of economic reforms his government is expected to implement. The Ibovespa index in Sao Paulo's stock market finished 3.56 per cent up at 91,012 points. Markets were closed on Tuesday for the January 1 holiday. Hopes of a turnaround for Latin America's biggest economy, which has been limping ever since exiting its worst-ever recession two years ago, were spurred by promises that Bolsonaro's team will cut spending and debt. New Economy Minister Paulo Guedes said Wednesday that reforming the country's unsustainable pension system was the government's "biggest challenge" as it made good on those pledges. Guedes said Brazil had to be re-made after suffering years of expanding public spending and statist decision-making. Brazil "was corrupted by excessive spending and stopped growing because of excessive spending," he said. "Reforming pensions is the key to correcting this problem." In Brazil, workers can often take retirement in their mid-50s, earlier than in comparable countries, and with pensions that are often around 70 per cent of their final salaries. Maintaining that system consumes around a third of government spending -- a proportion that will only go up as Brazil ages -- and increases its debt. Analysts say that without reform, the system will push the country to insolvency. No 'superministry' Even though his ministry is taking on added responsibilities for industry, trade, labour and planning, Guedes rejected the notion that he was heading up a "superministry." "No one can resolve all of Brazil's problems alone. We need all three (government) powers to be involved," he said. He listed his priorities as "opening the economy, simplifying taxes, privatizing, decentralizing resources, and focusing as well on social issues." Investors are anticipating a substantial privatization program. Shares in state power firm Eletrobras jumped 20.7 per cent on expectations some of its assets would be sold off. Guedes, 69, is a magnet for investor optimism in Bolsonaro's cabinet. The US-trained economist is a strong advocate of free-market values, which stands in contrast with Brazil's history of protectionism. Speaking as he took up his functions, Guedes hailed the decision by the outgoing centre-right government to freeze public spending for 20 years. But he said more reforms were needed "to create a virtuous circle." Observers were uncertain just how far Bolsonaro will let Guedes go in privatizing state companies. While the new president agrees in principle to liberalizing the economy, he has voiced wariness about selling off core assets of Eletrobras or state oil company Petrobras. Also, seven of the government's 22 ministries are now held by ex-military officers who may be opposed to a sale of Brazilian national assets -- and for any cuts to pensions that former military personnel do well from.

Brazil stocks hit record as President Jair Bolsonaro takes charge

In pics: Jair Bolsonaro takes over as Brazil's 38th President

Far-right politician Jair Bolsonaro was sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday, promising to crackdown on corruption, violent crime and use orthodox economic policy to ignite growth in the country.

Bolsonaro, a former Army captain and open admirer of Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship, rode to power on a massive wave of voter discontent over endemic political graft, steeped violent street crime and a sputtering economy.

Bolsonaro plans to realign Brazil internationally, moving away from developing nation allies and closer to the policies of Western leaders, particularly US President Donald Trump, who sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to his inauguration.

As a clear sign of that diplomatic shift, Bolsonaro plans to move the Brazilian embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, breaking with Brazil's traditional support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue.

Crowds of supporters, many with the Brazilian flag draped around their shoulders and with faces painted yellow and green, the national colours, gathered before the Planalto Palace, where later Tuesday the presidential sash will be draped on Bolsonaro.

Backed massively by conservative sectors of Brazil, including Christian evangelical churches, Bolsonaro would block moves to legalize abortion beyond even the current limited exceptions and remove sex education from public schools, opposing what he calls "cultural Marxism" introduced by recent leftist governments.

One-third of his cabinet are former army officers, mostly fellow cadets at the Black Needles academy, Brazil's West Point, all outspoken backers of the country's 1964-1985 military regime.

Bolsonaro, 63, has faced charges of inciting rape and for hate crimes because of comments about women, gays and racial minorities. Yet his law-and-order rhetoric and plans to ease gun controls have resonated with many voters, especially in Brazil's booming farm country.

In an interview with Record TV on the eve of his inauguration, Bolsonaro lashed out at Brazil's notorious bureaucracy, which makes doing business in the country difficult and expensive. He vowed to strip away the so-called "Brazil Cost" that hamstrings private enterprise.

"The government machine is really heavy," he said. "There are hundreds of bureaucratic governing bodies across Brazil, of regulators as well. ... We have to untangle the mess."

His vow to follow Trump's example and pull Brazil out of the Paris Agreement on climate change has worried environmentalists. So have his plans to build hydroelectric dams in the Amazon and open up to mining the reservations of indigenous peoples who are seen as the last custodians of the world's biggest forest.

Brazilian businesses are eager to see Bolsonaro take office and install a team of orthodox economists led by investment banker Paulo Guedes, who has promised quick action in bringing Brazil's unsustainable budget deficit under control.

Guedes plans to sell as many state companies as possible in a privatization drive that he forecasts could eventually bring in up to 1 trillion reais ($257 billion).

That would help restore order to government finances. The key measure, however, for reducing the deficit and stopping a dangerous rise of Brazil's public debt will be the overhaul of the country's costly social security pension system.

Pension reform will be Bolsonaro's biggest challenge since he has yet to build a base in Congress, where he has eschewed the political horse-trading that has traditionally helped Brazilian presidents govern the nation of nearly 210 million people.

Bolsonaro may find that lax protection of the environment and human rights could have negative economic effects, more so than those faced by other far-right leaders, given the spotlight on Brazil's Amazon jungle as a protection against global warming and because the country has more murders than any other nation.

"I think they will be good on the economy and they will probably be bad for human rights and the environment," said Brian Winter, vice president for policy at the Americas Society and Council of the Americas in New York.

"The key question is whether those things can be separated. Most of Wall Street says 'Yes.' I have my doubts."

Far-right politician Jair Bolsonaro was sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday, promising to crackdown on corruption, violent crime and use orthodox economic policy to ignite growth in the country.

Far-right politician Jair Bolsonaro was sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday, promising to crackdown on corruption, violent crime and use orthodox economic policy to ignite growth in the country. Bolsonaro, a former Army captain and open admirer of Brazil's 1964-1985 military dictatorship, rode to power on a massive wave of voter discontent over endemic political graft, steeped violent street crime and a sputtering economy. Bolsonaro plans to realign Brazil internationally, moving away from developing nation allies and closer to the policies of Western leaders, particularly US President Donald Trump, who sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to his inauguration. As a clear sign of that diplomatic shift, Bolsonaro plans to move the Brazilian embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, breaking with Brazil's traditional support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue. Crowds of supporters, many with the Brazilian flag draped around their shoulders and with faces painted yellow and green, the national colours, gathered before the Planalto Palace, where later Tuesday the presidential sash will be draped on Bolsonaro. Backed massively by conservative sectors of Brazil, including Christian evangelical churches, Bolsonaro would block moves to legalize abortion beyond even the current limited exceptions and remove sex education from public schools, opposing what he calls "cultural Marxism" introduced by recent leftist governments. One-third of his cabinet are former army officers, mostly fellow cadets at the Black Needles academy, Brazil's West Point, all outspoken backers of the country's 1964-1985 military regime. Bolsonaro, 63, has faced charges of inciting rape and for hate crimes because of comments about women, gays and racial minorities. Yet his law-and-order rhetoric and plans to ease gun controls have resonated with many voters, especially in Brazil's booming farm country. In an interview with Record TV on the eve of his inauguration, Bolsonaro lashed out at Brazil's notorious bureaucracy, which makes doing business in the country difficult and expensive. He vowed to strip away the so-called "Brazil Cost" that hamstrings private enterprise. "The government machine is really heavy," he said. "There are hundreds of bureaucratic governing bodies across Brazil, of regulators as well. ... We have to untangle the mess." His vow to follow Trump's example and pull Brazil out of the Paris Agreement on climate change has worried environmentalists. So have his plans to build hydroelectric dams in the Amazon and open up to mining the reservations of indigenous peoples who are seen as the last custodians of the world's biggest forest. Brazilian businesses are eager to see Bolsonaro take office and install a team of orthodox economists led by investment banker Paulo Guedes, who has promised quick action in bringing Brazil's unsustainable budget deficit under control. Guedes plans to sell as many state companies as possible in a privatization drive that he forecasts could eventually bring in up to 1 trillion reais ($257 billion). That would help restore order to government finances. The key measure, however, for reducing the deficit and stopping a dangerous rise of Brazil's public debt will be the overhaul of the country's costly social security pension system. Pension reform will be Bolsonaro's biggest challenge since he has yet to build a base in Congress, where he has eschewed the political horse-trading that has traditionally helped Brazilian presidents govern the nation of nearly 210 million people. Bolsonaro may find that lax protection of the environment and human rights could have negative economic effects, more so than those faced by other far-right leaders, given the spotlight on Brazil's Amazon jungle as a protection against global warming and because the country has more murders than any other nation. "I think they will be good on the economy and they will probably be bad for human rights and the environment," said Brian Winter, vice president for policy at the Americas Society and Council of the Americas in New York. "The key question is whether those things can be separated. Most of Wall Street says 'Yes.' I have my doubts."

Bolsonaro sworn in as Brazil's president, inaugurates far-right firebrand

Right-wing nationalist Jair Bolsonaro, who has vowed to crack down on political corruption, violent crime and ignite a moribund economy with deregulation and fiscal discipline, will be sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday.

The former Army captain and seven-term fringe congressman rode a wave of anti-establishment anger to become Brazil's first far-right president since a military dictatorship gave way to civilian rule three decades ago.

Bolsonaro plans to realign Brazil internationally, moving away from developing nation allies and closer to the policies of Western leaders, particularly US President Donald Trump, who sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to his inauguration.

As a clear sign of that diplomatic shift, Bolsonaro plans to move the Brazilian embassy in <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-moving-its-embassy-to-jerusalem-matter-of-when-not-if-pm-benjamin-netanyahu-187443">Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem</a>, breaking with Brazil's traditional support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue.

Backed massively by conservative sectors of Brazil, including Christian evangelical churches, Bolsonaro would block moves to legalize abortion beyond even the current limited exceptions and remove sex education from public schools, opposing what he calls "cultural Marxism" introduced by recent leftist governments.

One- of his cabinet are former army officers, mostly fellow cadets at the Black Needles academy, Brazil's West Point, all outspoken backers of the country's 1964-1985 military regime.

Bolsonaro, 63, has faced charges of inciting rape and for hate crimes because of comments about women, gays and racial minorities. Yet his law-and-order rhetoric and plans to ease gun controls have resonated with many voters, especially in Brazil's booming farm country.

His vow to follow Trump's example and pull Brazil out of the Paris Agreement on climate change has worried environmentalists. So have his plans to build hydroelectric dams in the Amazon and open up to mining the reservations of indigenous peoples who are seen as the last custodians of the world's biggest forest.

Brazilian businesses are eager to see Bolsonaro take office and install a team of orthodox economists led by investment banker Paulo Guedes, who has promised quick action in bringing Brazil's unsustainable budget deficit under control.

Guedes plans to sell as many state companies as possible in a privatization drive that he forecasts could eventually bring in up to 1 trillion reais ($257 billion).

That would help restore order to government finances. The key measure, however, for reducing the deficit and stopping a dangerous rise of Brazil's public debt will be the overhaul of the country's costly social security pension system.

Pension reform will be Bolsonaro's biggest challenge since he has yet to build a base in Congress, where he has eschewed the political horse-trading that has traditionally helped Brazilian presidents govern the nation of nearly 210 million people.

Bolsonaro may find that lax protection of the environment and human rights could have negative economic effects, more so than those faced by other far-right leaders, given the spotlight on Brazil's Amazon jungle as protection against global warming and because the country has more murders than any other nation.

"I think they will be good on the economy and they will probably be bad for human rights and the environment," said Brian Winter, vice president for policy at the Americas Society and Council of the Americas in New York.

"The key question is whether those things can be separated. Most of Wall Street says 'Yes.' I have my doubts." 
&nbsp;

Jair Bolsonaro plans to realign Brazil internationally, moving away from developing nation allies and closer to the policies of Western leaders.

Right-wing nationalist Jair Bolsonaro, who has vowed to crack down on political corruption, violent crime and ignite a moribund economy with deregulation and fiscal discipline, will be sworn in as Brazil's president on Tuesday. The former Army captain and seven-term fringe congressman rode a wave of anti-establishment anger to become Brazil's first far-right president since a military dictatorship gave way to civilian rule three decades ago. Bolsonaro plans to realign Brazil internationally, moving away from developing nation allies and closer to the policies of Western leaders, particularly US President Donald Trump, who sent Secretary of State Mike Pompeo to his inauguration. As a clear sign of that diplomatic shift, Bolsonaro plans to move the Brazilian embassy in Israel from Tel Aviv to Jerusalem, breaking with Brazil's traditional support for a two-state solution to the Palestinian issue. Backed massively by conservative sectors of Brazil, including Christian evangelical churches, Bolsonaro would block moves to legalize abortion beyond even the current limited exceptions and remove sex education from public schools, opposing what he calls "cultural Marxism" introduced by recent leftist governments. One- of his cabinet are former army officers, mostly fellow cadets at the Black Needles academy, Brazil's West Point, all outspoken backers of the country's 1964-1985 military regime. Bolsonaro, 63, has faced charges of inciting rape and for hate crimes because of comments about women, gays and racial minorities. Yet his law-and-order rhetoric and plans to ease gun controls have resonated with many voters, especially in Brazil's booming farm country. His vow to follow Trump's example and pull Brazil out of the Paris Agreement on climate change has worried environmentalists. So have his plans to build hydroelectric dams in the Amazon and open up to mining the reservations of indigenous peoples who are seen as the last custodians of the world's biggest forest. Brazilian businesses are eager to see Bolsonaro take office and install a team of orthodox economists led by investment banker Paulo Guedes, who has promised quick action in bringing Brazil's unsustainable budget deficit under control. Guedes plans to sell as many state companies as possible in a privatization drive that he forecasts could eventually bring in up to 1 trillion reais ($257 billion). That would help restore order to government finances. The key measure, however, for reducing the deficit and stopping a dangerous rise of Brazil's public debt will be the overhaul of the country's costly social security pension system. Pension reform will be Bolsonaro's biggest challenge since he has yet to build a base in Congress, where he has eschewed the political horse-trading that has traditionally helped Brazilian presidents govern the nation of nearly 210 million people. Bolsonaro may find that lax protection of the environment and human rights could have negative economic effects, more so than those faced by other far-right leaders, given the spotlight on Brazil's Amazon jungle as protection against global warming and because the country has more murders than any other nation. "I think they will be good on the economy and they will probably be bad for human rights and the environment," said Brian Winter, vice president for policy at the Americas Society and Council of the Americas in New York. "The key question is whether those things can be separated. Most of Wall Street says 'Yes.' I have my doubts."

Brazil to inaugurate far-right firebrand Bolsonaro president

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/no-embassy-move-announced-as-brazils-bolsonaro-hosts-israels-netanyahu-187108">Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro</a> told him that it was a matter of "when not if" he moves <a href="http://www.wionews.com/world/brazil-will-move-embassy-to-jerusalem-netanyahu-says-report-187399">his country's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem </a>from Tel Aviv.

The far-right Bolsonaro, who takes office on Tuesday and is hosting Netanyahu and the leaders of other countries for his inauguration, has said he would like to follow the lead of US President Donald Trump and move the embassy.

But he has come under intense pressure from Brazil's powerful agriculture sector not to do so, as it could hurt Brazilian exports to Arab nations. Despite Netanyahu's comments, a senior official from Brazil's incoming government told Reuters on Sunday no decision had yet been made on the issue.

Such a move by Bolsonaro would be a sharp shift in Brazilian foreign policy, which has traditionally backed a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict.

The Arab League had told Bolsonaro that moving the embassy to Jerusalem would be a setback for relations with Arab countries, according to a letter seen by Reuters earlier in December.

"Bolsonaro told me it was 'when, not if' he moves the embassy to Jerusalem," Netanyahu said on Sunday during a meeting with leaders of Brazil's Jewish community in Rio de Janeiro.

"We attach enormous importance to Brazil, and Brazil in the context of Latin America," he added. "This heralds a historic change."

Netanyahu, who met with Bolsonaro on Friday, said that the Brazilian accepted his invitation to visit Israel, a trip that is likely to take place in March.

Netanyahu is the first Israeli prime minister to visit Brazil.

After he met the Israeli leader, Bolsonaro said that "we need good allies, good friends, good brothers, like Benjamin Netanyahu."

The Arab League had told Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro that moving the embassy to Jerusalem would be a setback for relations with Arab countries, according to a letter seen by Reuters.

Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu said on Sunday that Brazil's President-elect Jair Bolsonaro told him that it was a matter of "when not if" he moves his country's embassy in Israel to Jerusalem from Tel Aviv. The far-right Bolsonaro, who takes office on Tuesday and is hosting Netanyahu and the leaders of other countries for his inauguration, has said he would like to follow the lead of US President Donald Trump and move the embassy. But he has come under intense pressure from Brazil's powerful agriculture sector not to do so, as it could hurt Brazilian exports to Arab nations. Despite Netanyahu's comments, a senior official from Brazil's incoming government told Reuters on Sunday no decision had yet been made on the issue. Such a move by Bolsonaro would be a sharp shift in Brazilian foreign policy, which has traditionally backed a two-state solution to the Israeli-Palestinian conflict. The Arab League had told Bolsonaro that moving the embassy to Jerusalem would be a setback for relations with Arab countries, according to a letter seen by Reuters earlier in December. "Bolsonaro told me it was 'when, not if' he moves the embassy to Jerusalem," Netanyahu said on Sunday during a meeting with leaders of Brazil's Jewish community in Rio de Janeiro. "We attach enormous importance to Brazil, and Brazil in the context of Latin America," he added. "This heralds a historic change." Netanyahu, who met with Bolsonaro on Friday, said that the Brazilian accepted his invitation to visit Israel, a trip that is likely to take place in March. Netanyahu is the first Israeli prime minister to visit Brazil. After he met the Israeli leader, Bolsonaro said that "we need good allies, good friends, good brothers, like Benjamin Netanyahu."

Brazil moving its embassy to Jerusalem matter of 'when not if': PM Benjamin Netanyahu

Colombia's foreign minister on Saturday condemned an alleged plot to kill President Ivan Duque and said three Venezuelan citizens had been detained in possession of "weapons of war."

"For several months there have been intelligence probes into possible attacks against the life of the president," Carlos Holmes Trujillo said in a video on the ministry's social media accounts.

He added that three Venezuelans in possession of "weapons of war" had been captured in connection with such plots, without going into further details.

In a separate statement, Trujillo said that the threats came from "internal and external actors."&nbsp;

The announcements come amid tensions between Bogota and Caracas, following the mutual expulsion of officials from both nations and the presence earlier this month of Russian long-range bombers in Venezuela.

President Duque has called upon the "countries that defend democracy" to not recognize the government of Nicolas Maduro, who begins a new term on January 10, after being re-elected in polls that were boycotted by the opposition and branded a fraud by the international community.&nbsp;

Maduro, for his part, has said the future government of Brazil under President-elect Jair Bolsonaro, Colombia and the United States are all involved in plotting a coup in Venezuela and want to assassinate him.

Duque's government has said it would not support a military intervention in Venezuela, with which it shares a 2,200 kilometer (1,350 miles) border.&nbsp;

Washington, on the other hand, has indicated "all options are on the table" for dealing with Venezuela's socialist leader.

Right-winger Duque took office in August promising to diplomatically isolate the Venezuelan regime, which he calls a "dictatorship," and to get tough on his country's drug traffickers and remaining guerilla groups.

Colombia is the main host country for Venezuelan migrants who have fled their country's economic crisis, the worst in its history.

According to the UN, about 2.3 million people left Venezuela since 2015.

'For several months there have been intelligence probes into possible attacks against the life of the president,' Carlos Holmes Trujillo said in a video on the ministry's social media accounts.

Colombia's foreign minister on Saturday condemned an alleged plot to kill President Ivan Duque and said three Venezuelan citizens had been detained in possession of "weapons of war." "For several months there have been intelligence probes into possible attacks against the life of the president," Carlos Holmes Trujillo said in a video on the ministry's social media accounts. He added that three Venezuelans in possession of "weapons of war" had been captured in connection with such plots, without going into further details. In a separate statement, Trujillo said that the threats came from "internal and external actors." The announcements come amid tensions between Bogota and Caracas, following the mutual expulsion of officials from both nations and the presence earlier this month of Russian long-range bombers in Venezuela. President Duque has called upon the "countries that defend democracy" to not recognize the government of Nicolas Maduro, who begins a new term on January 10, after being re-elected in polls that were boycotted by the opposition and branded a fraud by the international community. Maduro, for his part, has said the future government of Brazil under President-elect Jair Bolsonaro, Colombia and the United States are all involved in plotting a coup in Venezuela and want to assassinate him. Duque's government has said it would not support a military intervention in Venezuela, with which it shares a 2,200 kilometer (1,350 miles) border. Washington, on the other hand, has indicated "all options are on the table" for dealing with Venezuela's socialist leader. Right-winger Duque took office in August promising to diplomatically isolate the Venezuelan regime, which he calls a "dictatorship," and to get tough on his country's drug traffickers and remaining guerilla groups. Colombia is the main host country for Venezuelan migrants who have fled their country's economic crisis, the worst in its history. According to the UN, about 2.3 million people left Venezuela since 2015.

Colombia condemns alleged plot to kill president

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