Brasília - Brazilian senators, Helio Costa (PMDB-MG), Maguito Vilela (PMDB-GO) and Leomar Quintanilha (PMDB-TO) will be in Haiti between August 16 and 18 to observe the work being done by the UN peace forces there. Since May, Brazil has commanded the peace mission which now totals 6,700 soldiers, of which 1,200 are Brazilians.

Last week the Senate approved funding of US$55.3 million for Brazilian peace missions in Haiti and East Timor.

As part of the Brazilian mission in Haiti, on Wednesday, August 18, president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva will attend an international friendly match in Porto Principe between the national soccer teams of Brazil and Haiti.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Ellis Regina
Translator: Allen Bennett
08/17/2004