Irene Lôbo
Reporter - Agência Brasil

Brasília - The Brazilian government is studying the possibility of increasing its aid to the Asian and African countries affected by the huge tidal waves, the tsunami. This matter was discussed this morning at a political coordination meeting attended by the Minister of Defense, José Alencar, and the head of the Cabinet of Institutional Security (GSI), Jorge Armando Félix, as well as President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva.

At a special meeting last night, President Lula, José Alencar, Jorge Armando Félix, and the commanders of the Armed Forces discussed the possibility of sending an aircraft carrier with 1,200 Navy personnel, troops from the Army Engineers' Batallion, and Armed Forces helicopters to the affected areas.

Tonight, the third shipment of Brazilian donations to Southeast Asia will depart for Indonesia. This shipment will contain nine tons of water and seven tons of medications. The mission will also transport specialists from the Armed Forces and the Ministries of Health, Agriculture, and Foreign Relations. They will evaluate the most urgent requirements of the countries struck by the tidal waves and furnish guidance for Brazil's effort from now on.

Next Tuesday (11), General Jorge Armando Félix will represent Brazil at the meeting of donor countries organized by the United Nations in Geneva, Switzerland. The meeting will make decisions regarding further donations as well as the possibility of pardoning the debts of the countries affected by the tsunamis.

Translation: David Silberstein