Brazilian presidential spokesman, André Singer, said, yesterday, January 17, that the Brazilian government is ready to help resolve the conflict between Colombia and Venezuela, provided that one of these countries submits a request.
The conflict has to do with the alleged kidnapping by the Colombian government, in Venezuelan territory, of the Colombian guerrilla leader, Rodrigo Granda, member of the Farc (Colombian Revolutionary Armed Forces), on December 13. The presidents of the two countries are engaged in negotiations aimed at his release.
The Brazilian Minister of Foreign Relations, Celso Amorim, also offered the Guineans Brazilian resources to ensure the country’s return to democratic normalcy.
In recent years Guinea-Bissau has undergone a series of violent political episodes.
On Saturday, January 15, during his visit to the capital, Bissau, Amorim informed that Brazil has already contributed US$ 500 thousand to a fund established within the ambit of the Community of Portuguese-Speaking Countries for the purpose of satisfying the requests of the military.
Brazil also offered the country help in holding elections. Among the resources that were made available are technical assistance and the Brazilian system of electronic ballot boxes.
“With the reliability the system has obtained, doubts about electoral frauds are eliminated. Nowadays, even in cities where the difference between candidates is only 0.5%, the outcome is not questioned.”
Translation: David Silberstein
Agência Brasil