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Tight security in Brazil for Bush Bush greeted by clashes in Brazil
(1 day later)
Thousands of police and soldiers have been deployed across the Brazilian city of Sao Paulo ahead of a visit by US President George W Bush. Clashes broke out in Brazil's largest city as US President Bush arrived at the start of a six-day regional tour.
Anti-aircraft guns have been brought in and the streets around the hotel where he is staying have been closed. At least 20 people were injured in clashes with riot police in Sao Paulo after thousands turned out to protest against George W Bush's visit.
Mr Bush will also visit Uruguay, Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico in a week-long tour aimed at strengthening US ties with Latin America. The US leader is due to meet Brazil's Luis Inacio Lula da Silva to sign an ethanol energy alliance.
On Monday Mr Bush announced an aid programme for the region worth $385m. He will also go to Uruguay, Colombia, Guatemala and Mexico on a tour aimed at strengthening regional ties.
Millions of dollars are to be spent on education, housing and health care. In Sao Paulo, about 10,000 people spilled out along one of the city's broadest avenues, in the heart of the financial district, banging drums, waving red flags and carrying banners reading "Bush Go Home".
As Mr Bush left Washington to begin his tour, hundreds of protesters occupied the Cevasa sugar and ethanol-processing plant in Sao Paulo state that was recently sold to a US company. Although largely peaceful, clashes flared between some of the protesters and police.
Chavez appearance class="" href="/1/hi/talking_point/6430927.stm">Fighting region's suspicions class="" href="/1/hi/in_pictures/6433977.stm">In pictures: Brazil clashes
Speaking to CNN's Spanish channel before he left, Mr Bush said: "The trip is to remind people that we care. Demonstrators threw rocks and sticks at some of the 4,000 police patrolling the streets.
"I do worry about the fact that some say... 'The United States really isn't anything more than worried about terrorism' when in fact the record has been a strong record". Riot police responded by firing tear gas and lashing out with their batons.
class="" href="/1/hi/talking_point/6430927.stm">Fighting region's suspicions Mr Bush also wants to boost trade with the region and advance plans to fight drug traffickers. Sixteen police officers were reported to be among those injured.
Bittersweet
Many of the demonstrators are angry at the war in Iraq and the proposed ethanol deal, which they say is an attempt to control the country's production of the bio-fuel which powers eight out of 10 new cars in Brazil.
Together with the US, Brazil produces about 70% of the world's ethanol, a bio-fuel made from sugar cane or corn.
It is time we stopped stereotyping the US as a ghastly empire and started negotiating with them... Move on! Sandra Sena, Rio de Janeiro, Brazil Regional views The proposed accord would make ethanol an internationally traded commodity and promote its production in Central America and the Caribbean.
But activists say sugar cane cultivation is water intensive and responsible for stripping the Amazon rainforest.
They also say the ethanol production process is concentrated in the hands of a few powerful families or corporations.
Ahead of Mr Bush's arrival, hundreds of protesters occupied the Cevasa sugar and ethanol-processing plant in Sao Paulo state that was recently sold to a US company.
Chavez rally
Correspondents say Washington is adjusting to the election of increasing numbers of left-wing administrations in Latin America, including some that are openly critical of the US.Correspondents say Washington is adjusting to the election of increasing numbers of left-wing administrations in Latin America, including some that are openly critical of the US.
Fresh graffiti reading "Bush Out" has appeared on walls near locations where the president will appear. Coinciding with Mr Bush's visit to Uruguay, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez will make an appearance on Friday in Argentina.
Timed to coincide with Mr Bush's visit to Uruguay, Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez will make an appearance on Friday in Argentina. Mr Chavez is expected to hurl insults at Mr Bush at a rally in a football stadium in Buenos Aires.
At a rally in a football stadium in Buenos Aires Mr Chavez is expected to hurl insults at Mr Bush. The BBC's Daniel Schweimler, in Buenos Aires, says Mr Chavez will find an enthusiastic reception to his fiery brand of anti-US rhetoric.
The BBC's Daniel Schweimler in Buenos Aires says Mr Chavez will find an enthusiastic reception to his fiery brand of anti-US rhetoric.
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