Reuters AlertNet Lite - Brazil calls in military to curb Rio violence

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Brazil calls in military to curb Rio violence

05 Jan 2007 00:09:33 GMT
Source: Reuters

BRASILIA, Jan 4 (Reuters) - Brazil's president ordered the military to Rio de Janeiro on Thursday to help curb a wave of gang violence that has killed about 20 people in the beachside city in about a week.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva issued the order after receiving a request Wednesday from Rio de Janeiro state Gov. Sergio Cabral asking for support from the military police and also from the army, navy and air force.

"Both requests were attended," a presidential spokeswoman told Reuters.

The defense minister and the head of Brazil's national security cabinet are still deciding how many troops will be deployed, when they will go and how long they will stay, she said.

Rio de Janeiro, an important tourist and business center, suffered a wave of gang violence last week in which seven people were burned alive on a bus and two policemen were shot dead.

Lula called the attacks "terrorism" that should be treated by the Brazilian state.

Rio will host a summit of presidents from South America's Mercosur trade bloc later this month. It will hold its famous Carnival parade at the height of the tourist season in February and also the Pan American Games in July.

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Last updated:Fri Jan 5 00:12:00 2007