Brazil donates 16 tons of rice and 5 tons of whole milk powder to Bolivia, says government

The Brazilian government reported this Friday (29) that it donated 16 tons of rice and 5 tons of whole milk powder to Bolivia, on a humanitarian basis.
The donations left the Canoas Air Base, in Rio Grande do Sul, destined for the neighboring country, where they should arrive this Friday afternoon, in the capital La Paz. The food is transported on a KC-390 cargo plane, from the Brazilian Air Force (FAB).
According to the Brazilian government, the donation does not compromise the national supply.
The sending of humanitarian aid responds to a request from the President of Bolivia, Rodrigo Paz, who spoke with Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (PT), by telephone, earlier this week.
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Bolivia is facing a political, economic and social crisis, with a series of popular protests against the government of center-right of Paz.
In recent weeks, roads have been blocked in several regions of the country by protesters demanding changes in agrarian policy and improved fuel quality, as well as the resignation of President Rodrigo Paz. Local police have reacted with bombs and gas to the demonstrations.
According to Palácio do Planalto, the operation was coordinated by the Brazilian Cooperation Agency, of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, together with the ministries of Development and Social Assistance, Agrarian Development, Defense, Finance and Justice and Public Security.
Conversation with Lula
Protesters kick tear gas bomb thrown by police amid protests in La Paz, Bolivia
JORGE BERNAL / AFP
Last Monday (25), Lula spoke by telephone with Rodrigo Paz and, at the request of the center-rightist, ordered the sending of humanitarian aid to Bolivia.
According to assistants Lula who accompanied the call, Paz made three requests to the PT member:
loan of a plane to transport food from one region to another within Bolivia;
sending non-perishable food;
a public note from Lula about the conversation with Paz, as a "gesture" to encourage dialogue in the neighboring country.
So far, the Brazilian government has only announced the donation of food.
"President Lula reiterated his solidarity with the government and the people Bolivians and highlighted the importance of full respect for democratic institutions and the rule of law", informed Palácio do Planalto after the phone call.

Source: G1