Brazil demands explanations over alleged spying by New Zealand

The New Zealand Ambassador to Brazil, Caroline Bilkey, was asked for clarifications over allegations that Brazilian diplomat Roberto Azevêdo was spied on by New Zealand in 2013.

According to recent news stories published by the New Zealand Herald, Azevêdo had his emails monitored in the weeks preceding his election as director-general of the World Trade Organization (WTO) in May 2013. Back then, New Zealand's Trade Minister Tim Groser was among the other candidates for the WTO leadership and the current Prime Minister John Key was in charge of the New Zealand intelligence service now accused of espionage.

In a statement published on Tuesday (Mar. 24), Brazil's Foreign Ministry (MRE) announced that Bilkey was called by the MRE Secretary-General, Sérgio Danese, to explain the allegations. The note said Brazil's government was surprised at the news and is determined to have the facts fully clarified "in consideration of the friendship that has always existed between the two countries."

Translated by Mayra Borges