BRASILIA: Brazil has become a haven for developed and developing countries seeking technology for the use of ethanol as a fuel alternative to oil derivatives, Brazilian Foreign Minister Celso Amorim said yesterday.
His remarks came in response to comments made by Cuban President Fidel Castro in an article published by Cuban state daily Granma yesterday (see lead story).
Amorim defended the position of the leftist government of Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva.
“Brazil is today looked at as almost an object of pilgrimage … by all developed or developing countries, who come to seek in ethanol and (other) biofuels a way out of energy problems, not to remain totally dependent on oil. Everyone knows that oil is going to run out,” the minister said.
Amorim stressed that he “respects” the Cuban leader and that he does not think his criticisms were aimed at Brazil, which produces ethanol from sugar cane, while the US uses less energy-efficient corn.
“I think everyone is free to express their opinion. But I do not think that was meant against the Brazilian government or Brazil. Our opinion on ethanol is that ethanol’s success has been proved in practice,” he said. – DPA