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Elsewhere in the World:
Brazil’s President Picks Butter Over Guns
Newly elected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva has announced the creation of a program called Zero Hunger. “So long as there is a single Brazilian brother or sister going hungry, we have ample reason to be ashamed of ourselves,” he said in his inaugural speech.
On Jan. 3, Brazil’s government suspended a $760 million purchase of 12 jet fighter planes for its air force, saying the money could be better used to relieve hunger.
The announcement was made by newly-elected President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, a former factory worker and labor union leader.
The military is investigating cheaper alternatives, like renting or buying used aircraft.
The newly appointed commander of the air force, Gen. Luiz Carlos Bueno, said Mr. da Silva’s postponement decision was accepted without complaint by the armed forces. “We are working with the government, not against it,” he told reporters.
Mr. da Silva’s Zero Hunger program has been developed to serve the estimated 25 million Brazilians who lack sufficient food—primarily in rural areas. The country’s total population is about 175 million.
“So long as there is a single Brazilian brother or sister going hungry, we have ample reason to be ashamed of ourselves,” he said in his inaugural speech.
Lockheed-Martin, maker of the F-16, was among five foreign companies seeking the Brazilian contract.
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This story was published on February 10, 2003.
