Cristina Índio do Brasil
Reporter - Agência Brasil

Rio - The director of the Center of American Studies at the Cândido Mendes University, Clóvis Brigagão, believes that the newly elected president of Peru, Alan Garcia, will carry out his campaign pledge to strengthen ties with Brazil.

In an interview for the Radio Nacional's "Morning News" program, the political scientist said that this relationship must be solidified, since Peru will require backing in the region.

"In the midst of the confusion that currently characterizes South America, it needs to find a stronger partner, from the perspective of both foreign relations and external problems, such as is presently the case with energy resource legislation and agrarian reform in Peru," he observed.

In Brigagão's view, understanding between the two countries is important not just to guarantee the Mercosur's democratic proviso but for the rest of Latin America, as well, in the ambit of the Organization of American States (OAS).

The specialist affirmed that there are other reasons for a partnership between Peru and Brazil. He foresees that Garcia will encounter difficulties with the Peruvian opposition, Evo Morales' government in Bolivia, and Hugo Chavez' government in Venezuela. "So Brazil will serve as a source of moderation and support, I hope," he considered.

Translation: David Silberstein