In the 1980's, technology helped us detect smoke. Now, it is possible to follow the smoke and thus safely point to the source of the fire. That technology was developed here in Brazil with the cooperation of US scientists. It is still not available in the United States. Thus, regarding the Amazon Region, I would like to reaffirm that we will always stand ready to help Brazil and to develop the region in a way that would be harmless to the environment and would do justice to the enormous Brazilian natural resources.
Some people claim that the action of Asian lumber mills in that region is out of control.
That would pose considerable risk. Yet, I have no sufficient information to make an assessment of the situation. US military presence in Colombia has provoked some uneasiness in certain political circles in Brazil. They are comprehensive and there are many misunderstandings regarding Plan Colombia. Emphasis has mistakenly been placed on the military aspects of the plan.