SAO PAULO — Brazil’s president promised Monday to do whatever it takes, including sending all necessary funds, to help a northern state cope with an influx of Venezuelans fleeing hunger and unrest. Tens of thousands of people have poured into Roraima state in recent years from Venezuela, as the government there has moved to consolidate power and the nation’s economy has entered a tailspin. The influx has strained services and caused tensions, and state officials have been increasingly clamouring for help. “I will not rest until we have solved the problems of Roraima,” Temer said at a meeting with the governor and various state and federal officials. The government of Roraima presented federal officials with a list of demands last week, and Temer’s administration agreed to double the federal security forces at the border to 200.

Source: National Post February 12, 2018 19:19 UTC