Brazil and France to Cooperate on Counter-Terrorism Security for Rio 2016

By Christian Radnedge

Brazil’s security preparations for the Rio 2016 Olympics and Paralympics will be boosted by French counterterrorism intelligence, the foreign ministers of both countries confirmed this week.

In a press conference in Brasilia on Sunday, France’s foreign minister, Laurent Fabius, said French intelligence officials could provide Brazil with information about potential threats.

“Minister Fabius offered a possible exchange of information and experiences, which for the Brazilian government is very welcome,” Brazilian Foreign Minister Mauro Vieira added.

The news comes shortly after the terrorist attacks in Paris on November 13 in which 130 people were killed.

Fabius has called on a global strategy to fight terrorism, saying the attacks could have occurred anywhere.

Brazil’s security was heightened for the 2014 FIFA World Cup, but they mainly had to deal with local demonstrations.

Rio’s security chief said that preventing terrorism was a top priority for the country.

“Brazil does not have a history of terrorism, but always works with this priority,” Jose Mariano Beltrame said.

“We receive bulletins on possible threats but we have the means to boost our forces where necessary. We are ready – every institution knows what to do.

“We want a gold medal in security.”

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