Brazil demands a “formal explanation in writing” from US on espionage on president Dilma

Criado em 03/09/13 10h08 e atualizado em 03/09/13 16h52
Por Renata Giraldi / Carolina Sarres Edição:s Fonte:Agência Brasil

Brasília – Luiz Alberto Figueiredo Machado, Brazil's minister of Foreign Relations, has demanded clarifications from the US Ambassador, Thomas Shannon, regarding concerns of espionage on President Dilma Rousseff and key advisers as reported on a TV broadcast on Rede Globo on Sunday (September 1st). During a meeting on Monday (September 2), Figueiredo demanded “formal explanations in writing” from the United States by the end of the week.

“I summoned the US ambassador to my office and told him about the Brazilian government's indignation with the facts that have emerged, the files disclosed, the violation of President Dilma Rousseff's mail,” said Figueiredo, who talked to Shannon for about an hour on Monday (September 2), and then met with Rousseff.

During the meeting with the US diplomat, Figueiredo said that suspicions on Brazil being a threat to democracy were unfounded and questions about the robustness of the Brazilian state are inadmissible. “Brazil is a democratic country, a robust State located in a solid, democratic area, which maintains friendly relations with its partners. There's no way one can raise suspicions on it being a threatening or troublesome country,” he said.

The minister assured the conversation with Shannon was firm and clear. “He [Shannon] understood what has been said. When you have to say things clearly, you say them clearly. He completely got the message,” the minister said.

Also according to the foreign minister, Shannon promised to contact the White House to have the US government send clarifications in writing regarding the concerns, as requested by Brazil's government. “I want the US government, not necessarily the ambassador, to provide clarifications. I made my point very clear that we are looking forward to hearing from them this week,” the minister said.

Figueiredo also pointed out that the US conduct is inconsistent with the strategic partnership between the two countries. “Brazil's government wants prompt explanations,” he concluded.

Editors: Beto Coura / Nira Foster
Translator: Allen Bennett / Mayra Borges

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