Barack Obama opened his first tour of Latin America by acknowledging Brazil’s aspirations to become a permanent member of the United Nations Security Council as he arrived in the Brazilian capital on Saturday.
The US president also sought to build a personal connection with his host, Brazil’s new president Dilma Rousseff, while stressing the economic benefits for the US of the tour, which has been criticised as ill-timed with crises breaking out in Libya and Japan.
“The United States will continue our efforts to make sure that the new realities of the 21st century are reflected in international institutions … including the United Nations, where Brazil aspires to a seat on the Security Council,” Mr Obama said during a joint appearance before the media with Ms Rousseff.
The comments fell short of hopes in some quarters in Brazil that Mr Obama might express support for the country’s UN aspirations, as he did for India during a visit to New Delhi last year. Read more
By Joe Leahy in Brasília
The March get-together is next weekend in Joao Pessoa, Paraiba on Sunday the 20th March. Starting at 1pm until 7pm.
It is being held at Marinas Bar and Restaurant, 2270 Av Cabo Branco, Cabo Branco, Joao Pessoa, Paraiba, telephone number 326-5734.
There will be the usual BOOK and DVD exchange and again we are asking people to bring 1 KILO of non-perishable food or a child’s toy that we will donate to CEDIN a local ONG working in Sao José, Joao Pessoa, Paraiba (also CEDIN would be very happy to accept any old clothes, shoes or other donation).
A map of the location and other news can be found on http://paraibaparadise.com/.
We would like to thank Colin Roxburgh who has done all the work to set up this get-together.
