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Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff

BRASILIA. – Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has been urged to cancel a planned state visit to the US following reports that Washington spied on Brazil. Former President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and former cabinet minister Franklin Martins urged Rousseff to cancel her trip to Washington, a senior government official said on Saturday.

The Brazilian official’s name was mentioned in the reports.
Rousseff is to hold a meeting with Brazilian Foreign Minister Luiz Alberto Figueiredo tomorrow over the issue, subsequent to which she will make a decision on whether or not to call off the official visit scheduled for October 23.

Rousseff plans to discuss a possible US$4 billion jet fighter deal with US Boeing, co-operation on oil and bio-fuels technology between the two biggest economies in the Americas, as well as other commercial projects during her planned visit.

The spying revelations were made by Brasilia-based Globo TV, which cited leaked documents by US whistleblower Edward Snowden that Washington ranked Brazil as one of its top targets of electronic surveillance.

The reports have created tensions between the two countries, prompting Brasilia to demand an explanation from the US.
Brazil says the electronic surveillance is a violation of the South American country’s sovereignty.

Rousseff has expressed anger over the reports that the US National Security Agency monitored communications between her and her top aides and also on other Brazilians.

The Brazilian leader has also rejected Washington’s argument that the NSA only gathers information critical to its national security.
Figueiredo held talks with US National Security Adviser Susan Rice on September 11, in which he was told “the United States is committed to working with Brazil to address its concerns.” – Press TV.