SAO PAULO: Brazil announced on Friday the suspension of dredging operations on a major Amazon tributary, after Indigenous communities protested the work on rivers they see as vital to their way of life.
Hundreds of Indigenous people have been protesting for two weeks outside the port terminal of US agribusiness giant Cargill in northern Brazil to draw the attention of President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva’s government.
They have been angered over the dredging and development of Amazon’s rivers for grain exports.
The government said in a statement that it suspended the process of contracting a company for annual dredging work on the Tapajos River in the state of Para “as a gesture of negotiation.”
Protesters have demanded the cancelation of a decree signed by leftist leader Lula in August which designated major Amazonian rivers as priorities for cargo navigation and private port expansion.
They also want the cancelation of a federal tender issued in December worth 74.8 million reais ($14.2 million) to manage and dredge the Tapajos River.
In addition to suspending the dredging process, the government promised on Friday to consult with local communities before proceeding with any work.
Brazil suspends dredging of Amazon river after Indigenous protests
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Brazil suspends dredging of Amazon river after Indigenous protests
- The government said it suspended the process of contracting a company for annual dredging work on the Tapajos River in the state of Para “as a gesture of negotiation”
Putin calls for immediate halt to Iran conflict
- Vladimir Putin in constant contact with the leaders of Gulf Cooperation Council member states
MOSCOW: Russian President Vladimir Putin expressed his condolences to Iran’s president over the numerous civilian casualties resulting from “the armed Israeli-American aggression against Iran” and called for an immediate halt to hostilities, the Kremlin said.
In a phone call late on Friday with Iranian President Masoud Pezeshkian, Putin expressed his deep condolences over the killing of Iranian Supreme Leader Ayatollah Ali Khamenei, members of Khamenei’s family, Iranian political and military leaders and “numerous civilians.”
“Vladimir Putin reaffirmed Russia’s principled stance in favor of an immediate cessation of hostilities, the rejection of force as a method to solve any issues surrounding Iran or arising in the Middle East, and a swift return to the path of diplomatic resolution,” the Kremlin said.
Putin said he was in constant contact with the leaders of Gulf Cooperation Council member states.
“Masoud Pezeshkian expressed gratitude for Russia’s solidarity with the Iranian people as they defend their sovereignty and the independence of their country. He also provided a detailed update on the developments during the latest active phase of the conflict,” the Kremlin said.
