Amazon situation not out of control, says defense minister
The Brazilian government on Monday (Aug 16) held a meeting to discuss firefighting plans in the Amazon. In attendance were Defense Minister Fernando Azevedo, Justice Minister Sergio Moro, Foreign Minister Ernesto Araújo, the president’s Chief of Staff Onyx Lorenzoni, head of the government’s secretariat Luiz Eduardo Ramos, the president’s spokesman Otávio Rêgo Barros, in addition to President Jair Bolsonaro himself. Environment Minister Ricardo Salles was in São Paulo and did not join the event.
After the assembly, the defense minister told journalists that the situation is not “simple,” but added that the government was quick to take action and wildfires were reduced in the region. “Is it difficult? Yes, but we’re working on it. It’s not our of control,” Azevedo said.
International aid
When asked about the $20 million help announced by the G7 after a debate on the blazes last weekend, the spokesman said the topic is under consideration at the Foreign Minister, even though Environment Minister Ricardo Salles said in São Paulo that the help is welcome.
Question about the French President Emmanuel Macron’s remark on a possible international status for the Amazon, Barros said it is up to Brazilian to make decisions about the rainforest.
Still on the offer, Minister Azevedo said two countries have mobilized equipment and personnel. Chile offered four aircraft and 40 specialized agents. Ecuador also made one aircraft and 30 agents available.
Updates
The minister talked about the current state of affairs in the Amazon after the Armed Forces were mobilized to fight the fires. “We’re reducing them. The state of Amazons is in a good situation, and so is Roraima. Rondônia was more alarming, but we have over a thousand people working and 15 planes fighting the wildfires. Pará state is still source of concern,” Azevedo declared. He added rains are expected to come to the west of the Amazon, making circumstances better.
Azevedo went on to say that the reduction was made visible in the photos of the area seen at the meeting.
The president’s spokesman Otávio Rêgo Barros reported that an entourage of government officials should fly to the area. “Later this week we may have our team in loco to check the progress of the efforts,” he noted. How President Jair Bolsonaro will participate is a decision yet to be made.
