Brazil's New Defense Minister Says Military to Help New Social Projects

VOA News 29 Dec 2002, 16:39 UTC

Brazil's incoming defense minister, Jose Viegas, said president-elect Luiz Anacio Lula da Silva plans to use the military to assist in various social development projects. Mr. Viegas said Mr. da Silva wants the armed forces to be a vehicle of social development in Brazil.

Mr. Viegas said the army, navy and air force can contribute in carrying out social projects, such as combating hunger, at a lower cost.

However, he said the use of the military for social programs would not detract from its main mission to defend the country, even though the defense budget is shrinking.