Heavy Rains Take Toll in Brazil

While some people are basking in the glory of a winter wonderland, our Latin neighbors to the south are still recovering from heavy rain storms that left dozens dead in Brazil. CNN reports that at least 41 people were killed (while other sources cite over 60) when the downpour led to severe mudslides several hours from Rio.

A part of the mountain collapsed into an upscale resort in Angra dos Reis, but perhaps more tragically, some makeshift homes in the poor suburbs of Rio collapsed, leaving at least 350 people homeless. Surely this already poor population will struggle not only to deal with the loss of life, but also struggle to rebuild.

President Lula says he will send naval forces to help with rescue and recovery, as more bodies are believed to be trapped still.
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Online sources: cnn.com, CBS News

Brazil deserves permanent U.N. seat says Sarkozy

As we mentioned this morning, France and Brazil will sign several key agreements today during Nicolas Sarkozy’s visit to Rio de Janeiro. One of them is a defense agreement that will make Brazil the first South American country to own a nuclear-powered submarine.

In addition, Sarkozy advocated an increased role for Brazil in global affairs. Sarkozy said that he will help bring more attention to Brazilian proposals at the next G20 summit in April. The French president also discussed about the U.N.:

Sarkozy…earlier backed Brazil's claim to a permanent seat on the UN Security Council, saying the country had a vital role to play in global decision-making during the financial crisis.

"I'm being honest when I say we need Brazil in world governance," he said.

“I think we need Brazil as a permanent member of the Security Council."

(Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva) has made obtaining a permanent council seat for Brazil one his major foreign policy goals.

Image- BBC News
Online Sources- The Latin Americanist, TVNZ, CNN, Reuters