US and Brazil Sign Alternative Fuels Deal
By VOA News
09 March 2007
U.S. President Bush (l) and Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva (r) wave as they tour Petros Transporte S.A. Facility in Sao Paulo, 9 Mar 2007
The United States and Brazil have signed an accord to expand production of sugar cane-based ethanol fuel in Central America and the Caribbean.
The was deal signed in Brazil by the U.S. Secretary of State Condoleezza Rice and her Brazilian counterpart Foreign Minister Celso Amorim, as President Bush visits Sao Paulo for biofuels talks with President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
The two presidents said Friday that the deal will create more jobs, a cleaner environment, and greater independence from the oil market. Mr. Bush added that nations should be good stewards of the environment.
The United States and Brazil produce about 75 percent of the world＇s ethanol, and Brazil is the largest exporter.
Demonstrators hold banners against the visit of U.S. President George W. Bush in Sao Paulo, 8 Mar 2007
More than 6,000 protesters staged demonstrations Thursday to protest Mr. Bush＇s visit. Parts of the demonstration turned violent when some protesters began throwing rocks.
Riot police responded by firing tear gas and clubbing some protesters. Protests also took place Thursday in Colombia, ahead of a visit by Mr. Bush on Sunday.
The White House says the reason for Mr. Bush＇s six-day visit to Latin America is goodwill -- to highlight the fight against poverty in the region.
But critics say the trip is more likely meant to counter the growing influence of Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, a vehement critic of the Bush administration.
Mr. Chavez has declared he will attend an anti-Bush rally Friday in Argentina, held as Mr. Bush visits neighboring Uruguay later in the day. Mr. Bush has said he welcomes the planned rally because he loves freedom and the right of people to express themselves.
In addition to Brazil and Uruguay, Mr. Bush plans to visit Colombia, Guatemala, and Mexico, all of whom enjoy good relations with the United States.
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