Brazil/Iran

Ahmadinejad visit protested in Brazil

Article published on the 2009-11-23 Latest update 2009-11-23 18:52 TU

President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad
Photo: Reuters

About 1,000 demonstrators gathered in Rio de Janeiro Sunday to protest the visit of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad.The demonstrators represented a wide range of gay, Jewish, evangelical Christian, anti-racism and other activist groups.

Ahmadinejad's is set to meet President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and visit Brazil’s Congress. It is the first visit by an Iranian president to Brazil, and Ahmadinejad's third round of talks with Lula, who is scheduled to visit Tehran in early 2010.

On Friday, Ahmadinejad issued a statement on defending closer ties with Brazil. He stressed the need for cooperation between the two countries in various areas, notably the nuclear field.

Pointing to Brazil's own nuclear program, Ahmadinejad said Brazilians "understand that a few arrogant powers ... are trying to prevent other nations from having access to advanced science."

Brazil has backed Iran's nuclear development program, as long as it serves peaceful, civilian uses. Lula opposes sanctions on Iran, preferring instead diplomacy.

His position contrasts with the United States, other Western allies and Israel, which charge that Tehran is seeking to develop a nuclear bomb under the cover of its suspect nuclear program.

There are longstanding efforts by world powers to persuade Iran to curb its nuclear ambitions but, Tehran recently rejected a proposed nuclear fuel deal.

For Iran, the visit aims to boost influence in the region. Brazil meanwhile is keen to play a role in the Middle East peace process.

Ahmadinejad’s arrival follows the visit by Israeli President Shimon Peres to Brazil just over a week ago. The Iranian president’s Latin American tour also includes stops to Venezuela and Bolivia.