Santiago (Chile) - During a speech, yesterday (23), President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva showered effusive praise on his colleague, Ricardo Lagos, President of Chile. Citing examples of "affinity of values between Brazil and Chile," Lula praised the Chilean government's decision in the UN Security Council "not to endorse the American invasion of Iraq." This position was roundly applauded in Latin America.

President Lula recalled the two countries' cooperation in matters of peace, represented by the endeavor in Haiti. "The UN mission, led by a Chilean diplomat, is under the military command of a Brazilian general. This partnership underscores the importance of reforming the UN to make it more representative of current realities."

President Lula also thanked Chile for its support in the Brazilian campaign for a permanent seat on the Security Council.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: André Deak
Translator: David Silberstein
08/24/2004