During a speech, yesterday, in BrasÀlia, capital of Brazil, on United States foreign policy, US Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice defended the creation of the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) as a way to unite 800 million people “from southern Chile to northern Canada in a free community.”
She said that Brazil’s leadership is essential to advance this relationship.
Rice also underlined the importance of democracy, which “offers security, creates prosperity, and protects human dignity.”
She added that those who are on the “right side” have an obligation to help those who are on the “evil side” – an obligation that would spread democracy to all countries.
According to the American Secretary, there is an empty chair in the Organization of American States, and this chair should be occupied by Cuba. The reason it is not, she says, is that “Cuba continues to spurn the rule of law in favor of its leaders’ whims.”
In this respect, according to Rice, the US views Brazil as a regional leader and a global partner. She pointed out that men of principle, such as President Lula, bear the “torch of democracy” and show other countries the course to pursue.
Rice said that nations cannot become disheartened and that achieving democracy takes time.
The Secretary also affirmed that “the US is committed to the success of democracy in Latin America” and that the Brazilian and American governments should think and act like partners to ensure the security, prosperity, and dignity of nations.
Agência Brasil