Porto Velho, 2/11/2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The ministers of Defense of Brazil, Columbia and Peru joined the minister of Justice of Brazil in signing a protocol of intentions on drug traffic combat along their common borders. The protocol was signed in the town of Tabatinga, state of Amazonas, on the Brazilian border with Columbia.

The Brazilian minister of Defense, José Viegas, declared that he is waiting for Peru to pass legislation on ground rules for shooting at riverboats before moving ahead with Brazilian legislation. Columbia already has rules on the issue. (AB)