Police mobilized in Sao Paulo ahead of Bush visit

Brazilian authorities have mobilized more than 4,000 police and troops, including expert sharpshooters, to protect United States President George W. Bush during his 24-hour visit to Brazil Friday, the first stop on his five-nation tour of Latin America.

Sao Paulo, Latin America's largest city, will be practically paralyzed by the visit, which will also have security from the U.S. Federal Bureau of Investigations.

Speaking to U.S. broadcaster CNN, Bush said he would promote free trade, a way of fighting poverty, during his visit to Brazil, Uruguay, Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico.

During his Sao Paulo sojourn, aircraft will have to change their route, to avoid areas where Bush is staying,

Brazilian police will watch demonstrations against Bush organized by the National Student's Union, the Rural Landless Movement and the Central Workers Union.

Bush will begin his work on Friday with a business brunch at noon with Brazilian President Luis Inacio da Silva, who is known as Lula in Brazil.

The two will discuss collaboration to produce ethanol, and the Doha round of World Trade Organization talks, stalled because poorer nations wanted the richest to end agricultural subsidies and reducing trade barriers.

Also on the agenda is United Nations Security Council reform. Brazil wishes to become a permanent member of the council.

Source: Xinhua