BRAZIL AND THE US SIGN MILITARY ACCORD

The United States of America and Brazil have signed an agreement meant to bolster military ties between the two countries. The U.S.-Brazil Accord was signed at the Pentagon by Brazilian Defence Minister, Mr. Nelson Jobim and the U.S. Defence Secretary, Mr. Robert Gates. It is the first agreement of its kind in more than 30 years between the two countries. The Accord contains no provisions related to the use of Brazilian bases by American Forces. However, it promotes military exchanges-such as visits by naval ships-and cooperation on the acquisition of defence products and services.

In Brasilia, the U.S. Ambassador, Mr. Thomas Shannon, said the Accord could ease the way for Brazil to purchase fighter jets from America's Boeing Corporation. It also might increase the chances that the U.S. will buy as many as 100 Super Tucano planes made by Brazil's Embraer, according to Defence Minister Jobim. Jobim added that the agreement may mean that the U.S. can buy Embraer planes without going through a competitive bidding process.

The Accord would also allow for some technology transfers that would make Boeing's offer to supply Brazil with fighter jets more competitive.