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Brazil to strengthen marine forces

(Xinhua)
Updated: 2008-08-11 16:38

BRASILIA -- Brazil decided to strengthen its marine forces in an effort to safeguard its sovereignty in response to balance the American presence in the region, local media reported on Monday.

The plan was recently revealed by the minister of the Secretary of Strategic Subjects of Brazil, Roberto Mangabeira Unger.

Not only will the marines receive reinforcement, but the armed forces of Brazil in general will be fortified, local media quoted the Brazilian minister as saying.

"The presence of the United States Marines in international water throughout the Southern Cone only reiterates the importance for Brazil to take better care of its own defense shield," Unger said.

"One of the main reasons to reform the concept of our national defense is to be able to count on our own defense shield," the minister said.

"We cannot be subject to any type of intimidation if Brazil is to play a bigger role in international politics," the minister added.

The cabinet of Brazilian president Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva is currently discussing details of the reorganization of the armed forces.

The Brazilian armed forces decided to increase their numbers and capability in a bid to better patrol their coastline.

Brazil has discovered a significant oil reserve off its coast recently.