Rio, 2/5/2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Brazil's new ambassador in Washington, Roberto Abdenur, says that Brasilia wants the United States to give Brazilians travelling to the US treatment that is appropriate and in keeping with the friendly relationship the two countries have. Abdenur pointed out that the US and Brazil were allies in the Second World War, have common interests, and the US has significant investments in Brazil where it has 400 companies.

"It does not make sense to have Brazilians frequently humiliated and treated badly when they request a visa or arrive in the US. This is a situation that resulted in the president of Brazil raising this issue with the president of the US and suggesting that a way be found to eliminate the need for visas," said the ambassador. Abdenur said the same problem existed between Brazil and France a few years ago. (AB)