RIO DE JANEIRO - Brazil’s foreign minister said Tuesday that protecting the environment “is not only a European interest” after France said it would ratify a free-trade deal between the European Union and the South American bloc Mercosur only if Brazil respects its commitment to reduce deforestation. The French government said Tuesday that it was yet not ready to ratify the pact, saying Brazil must “respect its commitments” to protecting its rainforest. Before the deal was finalized, French President Emmanuel Macron had said France would not sign if Brazil did not continue within the Paris climate agreement. It must be still submitted to parliament and approved.” “Most European countries use more agrotoxins per hectare then Brazil. “This issue is not only a European interest, but ours” as well.

Source: thestar July 02, 2019 21:56 UTC