Brazil's President Wants Apology Before Taking Foreign Aid To Fight Fires

BRAZIL-ARGENTINA-BOLSONARO

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro has opened the door to accepting a $20 million aid package to fight fires that have ravaged the rainforests in the Amazon. The country initially rejected the offer made by leaders at the Group of Seven nations summit in France and told them to use the money for other projects.

"We are thankful, but maybe those resources would be more relevant to reforest Europe," Bolsonaro's chief of staff, Onyx Lorenzoni said.

The next day, Bolsonaro appeared to have a slight change of heart and said he would be willing to accept the money under one condition: He wants an apology from French President Emmanuel Macron for calling him a liar and questioning the sovereignty of Brazil.

"The Amazon forest is a subject for the whole planet," Macron said. "We can help you reforest. We can find the means for your economic development that respects the natural balance. But we cannot allow you to destroy everything."

If Macron is willing to apologize, Bolsonaro says he will consider discussing the accepting the aid package with international leaders.

Photo: Getty Images


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