Amazon Wildfire: Brazil rejects G7 aid, makes obnoxious statement

Brazil on Monday rejected aid from G7 countries to fight wildfires in the Amazon, with a top official telling French President Emmanuel Macron to take care of "his home and his colonies." He said that the resources France was willing to provide will be better for reforestation of Europe. The official's comment comes after a pledge of 20 million was made at the G7 Summit. "We appreciate (the offer), but maybe those resources are more relevant to reforest Europe," Onyx Lorenzoni, chief of staff to President Jair Bolsonaro, told the G1 news website, referring to a pledge of USD 20 million made at the G7 summit in France to fight the rainforest blazes. READ: G7 To Help Nations Hit By Amazon Wildfire: Macron World leaders offer assistance to tackle Amazon Fires World leaders at the summit agreed to help the countries affected by the fires "as fast as possible," French President Emmanuel Macron said on Sunday. US President Donald Trump and British Prime Minister Boris Johnson had earlier offered their countries' assistance. Bolivian President Evo Morales said Sunday he would accept international help to combat wildfires raging in the country's southeast as he suspended his election campaign to deal with the crisis. Although about 60 percent of the Amazon is in Brazil, the vast forest also spreads over parts of eight other countries or territories: Bolivia, Colombia, Ecuador, French Guiana, Guyana, Peru, Suriname and Venezuela. Macron's remarks come amid an escalating war of words with his Brazilian counterpart Jair Bolsonaro, who he has accused of lying over Brazil's stance on climate change. Bolsonaro has denounced what he calls Macron's "colonialist mentality." The fires threaten to torpedo a huge trade agreement between the European Union and South American countries, including Brazil, that took 20 years to negotiate. EU Council President Donald Tusk told reporters at the G7 on Saturday that it was hard to imagine European countries ratifying a trade pact with the Mercosur bloc as long as Brazil fails to curb the fires ravaging the Amazon. Amazon Fires: Brazil's Bolsonaro Allows Army To Help Fire-fight Pope Francis on Sunday also voiced concern for the rainforest. He has described the forest as a "vital" lung for the planet. Under intensifying pressure, Bolsonaro on Friday vowed a "zero tolerance" approach to criminal activities in the Amazon. In addition, he has also promised strong action to control the fires. Days earlier, he had accused non-government organizations of igniting the blazes. Brazil Army tackles Amazon Wildfire President Jair Bolsonaro on August 23 ordered deployment of troops to fight the raging Amazon wildfire. The mobilizing of army commenced soon after a global outcry sparked protests and threatened a huge trade deal. At least seven states, including Rondonia, have requested the army's help in the Amazon. According to officials, more than 43,000 troops are based and available to combat fires. Dozens of firefighters are en route to Porto Velho to help put out the blazes. Justice Minister Sergio Moro has also given the green light for the deployment of security forces to tackle illegal deforestation in the region. The fires have triggered a global outcry and are a major topic of concern at the G7 meeting in Biarritz in southern France. Amazon Fire: Why Is Part Of The Amazon Burning? Onyx Lorenzoni also tweeted pictures of soldiers gearing up to fight the Amazon wildfire. "Respect for our Brazil and our sovereignty. Good morning everyone, especially the brave warriors of our forces." he wrote Respeito ao nosso Brasil e à nossa soberania. Bom dia a todos, em especial aos bravos guerreiros de nossas Forças. 🇧🇷 pic.twitter.com/QOyTHMJmnx — Onyx Lorenzoni 🇧🇷 (@onyxlorenzoni) August 25, 2019 READ: Brazil Tribal Chief Raoni Slams Jair Bolsonaro Over Amazon Fires Aerial assets have also been deployed to tackle the amazon wildfire. The Brazilian government also deployed two C-130 Hercules aircraft to douse fires devouring parts of the Amazon rainforest. "Check out the action of the C-130 Hercules aircraft of our Air Force in the fight against fires in the Amazon from Porto Velho (RO)!" he said in a tweet. - Confira a ação das aeronaves C-130 Hércules, da nossa Força Aérea, no combate aos focos de incêndio na Amazônia, partindo de Porto Velho (RO)! via @DefesaGovBr pic.twitter.com/kcBuFHhsbY — Jair M. Bolsonaro (@jairbolsonaro) August 24, 2019 READ: Amazon Wildfires An International Crisis: France Makes It Clear

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Amazon Wildfire: Brazil rejects G7 aid, makes obnoxious statement

Brazil rejected aid from G7 countries to fight wildfires with a top official told French President Emmanuel Macron to take care of his home and colonies.

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