President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva made a public statement
lamenting the onset of armed action in Iraq. Here is the translation
of the text, provided by the Brazilian Embassy in Washington.

"I address the Brazilian people to lament the onset of armed action in Iraq and, in particular, the resort to force without express authorization by the United Nations Security Council.

Since I took office, I undertook a series of initiatives in search of a peaceful solution to the crisis, on the basis of full Iraqi compliance with Security Council resolutions.

I spoke personally and by phone with various world leaders. Up to the last moment I remained involved in efforts to reach a negotiated solution. With this objective in mind, I held several talks with the United Nations Secretary-General. On our part, Brazilian diplomacy and I personally did everything possible in order to prevent this conflict.

As war begins, we must express our concern for the suffering of innocent civilians, whose lives are endangered.

I make an appeal for international humanitarian law to be respected, in particular as regards the protection of the civilian population and refugees.

We are also worried by the regional and international repercussions of the conflict. We do not wish to see an increase in instability in the Middle East, a region from which millions of Brazilians trace their descendance and to which we are united by close ties of friendship and cooperation.

We all need stability and peace to pursue our struggle for economic development with social justice.

We are taking all measures required to ensure that Brazilians will not suffer any effects from the war.

We are ensuring regular supplies, healthcare and the security of our borders as well as providing assistance to Brazilians who live in the region.

Having taken these initiatives, let me state that I am certain that I interpret the sentiment of the Brazilian people in expressing our desire to live in a peaceful world, where international law is fully respected".

Foreign Relations Ministry

The Brazilian Minister of Foreign Relations, Celso Amorim, also released a statement last March 20 regretting the start of military operations in Iraq:
"The Brazilian government deeply regrets that military operations have begun in Iraq and that efforts were not continued in seeking for a peaceful solution for disarming Iraq within the scope of the United Nations' Charter and the Security Council's resolutions, in conformity with the wishes expressed by Heads of States, Parliaments and the civil societies of countries in all continents.

While deeply lamenting the suffering this military incursion will bring on innocent civilians, the Brazilian government calls for respect toward the rules of international humanitarian law, particularly regarding the protection of civilian populations, the treatment of prisoners of war and the protection of the rights of victims of armed conflicts.

The Brazilian government makes an appeal for peace and for hostilities to end, urging that the territorial integrity of Iraq be preserved".

No Political Retaliation

The Chief of Staff of the Presidency of the Republic, José Dirceu, affirmed that he does not fear commercial or political retaliation on the part of the United States because of the Brazilian government's position with respect to the war against Iraq. According to the Minister, there is no indication of anything in this sense. "We have disputes, chiefly in the commercial field, but I see no reason for retaliations," he affirmed.

Dirceu confirmed that all security measures have already been adopted to avoid incidents in the country and to get around a possible reduction in the supply of petroleum, as a result of the war.

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