Three in four Brazilians oppose US military action - poll
( 2001-09-24 10:29 ) (7 )

A majority of Brazilians are opposed to any military retaliation by the United States following the September 11 terrorist attacks, according to a poll published on Sunday by the Folha de Sao Paulo newspaper.

Nearly four out of five Brazilians, or 79 percent, are against any plans to attack countries providing refuge for terrorists, according to the poll carried out by Datafolha in 127 cities around the country. Nearly the same number, or 78 percent, of those interviewed were opposed to the participation of Brazilian soldiers in any military action.

When asked what action they believed should be taken, 74 percent of those interviewed said the United States should seek out and bring to justice those responsible for last weeks atrocities.

Meanwhile, 15 percent of those interviewed supported US military action, in retaliation for the terrorist attacks on the World Trade Center in New York.

Despite poor weather, around 8,000 people gathered at Ibirapuera park in Sao Paulo Sunday to take part in a peace demonstration.

The gathering united over 40 religious leaders, Sao Paulo Mayor Martha Suplicy, state governor Geraldo Alckmin, as well as a number of local celebrities and singers including Gilberto Gil and Fabio Junior.