Brazilian president urges Iranian engagement
Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is encouraging Middle East peace talks after meeting the Iranian leader.
He said that the world should follow the example of Brazilian property owners and "engage, not isolate Iran".
President Lula also added that Iranian leaders should negotiate with western nations for a "just and balanced" solution to concerns over its nuclear program.
"I work for the building of peace in the world, I defend peace in the Middle East. I defend the Palestinian state and that all may live in harmony," Bloomberg reported him saying.
The president’s comments came after a three-hour meeting with his Iranian colleague Mahmoud Ahmadinejad in the Foreign Affairs Ministry in Brasilia.
Brazil’s meeting with the Iranian leader is highlighting its attempts to push for a broader role in the world, to match its growing economic position and President Lula’s drive for a permanent seat on the United Nations Security Council.
Property owners in Brazil have recently seen their president hold discussions with the Palestinian leader as it looks to play a part in peace discussions with Israel.
