BPNIC Briefing, September 2007

During the month of September 2007
The Brazilian government of President Lula Da Silva decided to step up its campaign in the Holy Land by appointing a new ambassador to Palestine. Ligia Maria Scherer will be the next head of the Brazilian representative in Ramallah and will assume responsibilities in the month of October. "Anything that can be done to strengthen the relations between Brazil and Palestine, will be done," said Ligia in an interview to the Arab Brazilian Chamber of Commerce. Liga, has worked previously in the Israeli embassy and is expected to bring new prospects to further the peace in the area.

During the month of August 2007
The Brazilian government’s representation in Ramallah, sharing similar visions as the U.S. in regards to the existence of a united Palestinian nation to exist in the Holy Land ready to defend the interests of the region; met with Al Haq, a popular campaign against the wall, and discussed the ongoing settlement expansion and annexation activities by Israel. Jamal Jom, a representative of Al Haq stated that in order to force the residents out of their homes in Palestinian land designated for Israeli settlement expansion, the government of Israel sends out military orders to Palestinians to evacuate their homes, then destroys water tanks and resources used by the residents and later attacks the areas.

The meeting with the Brazilian representatives was conducted at the office of the South African representative in Ramallah, and was also attended by representatives from India. The diplomatic missions of Geneva, Finland, Canada and Norway were also invited and attended the meeting.

During the month of July 2007
Musa Amer Odeh, special envoy of the Palestinian president, Mahmoud Abbas, came to Brazil to seek aid and advice from the Brazilian government to establish peace in the Arab country.  "Brazil is a very important country. The Brazilians are friends to the Arabs. As an active member of the United Nations (UN), the country can provide support to us and help bring stability and peace to the Palestinian people," Odeh told the Brazil-Arab News Agency.