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Brazil will reject G7 Amazon aid unless Macron withdraws "insults"

27 August 2019 17:49 (UTC +04:00)

Brazil will reject an offer of at least $20 million from the Group of Seven nations to fight fires in the Amazon rainforest unless French President Emmanuel Macron withdraws his “insults,” President Jair Bolsonaro said on Tuesday, APA reports citing Reuters.

The two leaders have become embroiled in a deeply personal and public war of words in recent days, with Bolsonaro mocking Macron’s wife on Facebook and accusing the French leader of disrespecting Brazil’s sovereignty.

Bolsonaro’s Chief of Staff Onyx Lorenzoni also said Brazil would reject the G7 offer, according to news website G1, although his office said that was his personal view.

Speaking to reporters in Brasilia on Tuesday, Bolsonaro appeared to adopt a slightly more conciliatory stance.

“Did I say that? Did I?” Bolsonaro said when questioned about Lorenzoni’s comments.

“First of all, Macron has to withdraw his insults. He called me a liar. Before we talk or accept anything from France ... he must withdraw these words then we can talk,” Bolsonaro said. “First he withdraws, then offers (aid), then I will answer.”