Patriot: Brazil will discuss espionage with John Kerry

Cristina Indian of Brazil
Reporter from Agência Brasil

Rio de Janeiro - Allegations of espionage by the United States will be discussed between the Brazilian government and US Secretary of State John Kerry, who arrives in Brazil on Tuesday (13). According to Foreign Minister Antonio Patriota, the issue is already the subject of bilateral treatment with the US government and will continue to be treated, by its nature, in an environment of relative discretion, but Brazil will continue to seek explanations. "We will in no way fail to seek the necessary clarifications and overcome difficulties that have arisen as a result of the allegations that are being investigated," he said.

The minister highlighted that after the Mercosur meeting in July in Montevideo, Uruguay, which decided to take the matter to the United Nations (UN), there was a dialogue with the UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon. "It's not a common occurrence, and the dialogue found interest, understanding, and a favorable response," he stated.

Patriota added that, also within the UN framework, the topic was included in the Security Council discussions. The minister said that the debate began, coincidentally, this month, when Argentina, as a non-permanent member, holds the presidency of the council. According to Patriota, the Security Council meeting was chaired by the Argentine head of state, Cristina Kirchner, with the presence of 12 foreign ministers.

The minister emphasized that the bilateral agenda between Brazil and the United States is very broad, ranging from trade and investment to technological cooperation. Patriota also highlighted the Science Without Borders Program for Brazilian students in the U.S. These issues will also be discussed with U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry, he said.

Editing: Aécio Amado