Israel and US Worried Brazil’s Arab Summit Will Harm Middle East Peace

Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed South American and Arab leaders to BrasÀ­lia, the Brazilian capital, today, for a summit on trade and other issues.

Mr. da Silva said the regions have common goals for commercial and social development. U.S. and Israeli officials are concerned that the summit participants might use the meetings as an opportunity to criticize U.S. and Israeli policy in the Middle East.


In an address Tuesday to South American and Arab representatives, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva welcomed participants to an unprecedented summit to foster cooperation between South America and the Arab world.


Mr. da Silva said the nations on hand had common goals for commercial and social development.


“We want to enjoy and realize our potential to reach the common objectives of South America and the Arab world,” Mr. da Silva said.


In his opening remarks for the two-day summit, the Brazilian president called on the participants to band together to combat poverty and hunger in both regions.


The leaders also pledged support for sweeping political and economic changes to bring the regions together.


On Monday, representatives arriving for the summit in Brasí­lia expressed a desire to increase trade between South America and the Arab world.


Brazil’s Foreign Ministry estimates the two regions exchanged about $10 billion in bilateral trade last year.


On the diplomatic front, Mr. da Silva spoke with Palestinian leader Mahmud Abbas on Monday and urged him to be patient in peace talks with Israel.


U.S. and Israeli officials have expressed concern that the meetings could serve as a platform to launch attacks on both nations’ policies in the Middle East.


Last week the Israeli embassy in Brazil released a statement saying it was concerned about the upcoming summit.


And, a U.S. government official told VOA he hopes the meeting does not undermine the peace process in the Middle East.


A summit declaration is expected to be released at the conclusion of the summit Wednesday.


A draft statement reportedly includes language that demands Israel disband settlements in Palestinian areas and retreat to its borders before the 1967 Mideast war.


The draft also condemns U.S. economic sanctions against Syria and denounces terrorism. But, the draft statement asserts the right of people to resist foreign occupation, saying acts of national defense are not considered terrorism.


VoA

Tags:

You May Also Like

Brazilian apperitif, caipirinha

The World Serves Brazilian Food and Culture. Bon Appétit!

It is no longer a surprise to find Brazilian groceries in stores all over ...

Financial Experts Get More Bullish and See Brazil’s GDP Growing 5.47% in 2010

Brazilian Analysts from the financial market have elevated the growth forecast for the Brazilian ...

Brazilian Orange Juice Sales to US Jump with a Little Help from Hurricane Wilma

Brazilian orange juice exports may grow as much as 50% this year, thanks to ...

While Rio’s Maracanã Gets Facelift for World Cup São Paulo Gets Axed by FIFA

Rio’s Maracanã soccer stadium will be closed for the next two years as it ...

Misguided Guide

Brazil and the Brazilians, the book, gives an inaccurate and dated view of Brazil. ...

Obama Wins with 65% of the Votes in Brazilian Poll. Romney Seen as Elitist

In an international public opinion poll that took place in 21 countries around the ...

Despite NGO’s Praise, Disabled Suffer in Brazil

Brazil, together with Costa Rica, Jamaica, the United States, and Canada, is one of ...

Brazil’s Northeast Offers Post-Graduation in Oil and Gas Management

The northeastern Brazilian state of Pernambuco is offering since Friday, October 28, the first ...

Under the Jack Tree, Brazil on My Mind

From time to time I sit near a jack tree in my backyard and ...

Brazil President Steps Up International Offensive Meeting Obama & Cameron

The president of Brazil, Dilma Rousseff, is scheduled to meet with her US peer ...