Brazil cancels U.S. visit over spying claims

David Jackson | USA TODAY

Brazil President Dilma Rousseff said Tuesday she has postponed a planned state visit to the United States over allegations that the National Security Agency has spied on her government.

"The illegal act of intercepting communications and data of citizens, businesses and members of the Brazilian government constitute a serious act which threatens national sovereignty and individual rights, and which is incompatible with democratic coexistence between friendly countries," said a statement from Rousseff's office.

In a statement from the White House, spokesman Jay Carney said President Obama "understands and regrets the concerns (that) disclosures of alleged U.S. intelligence activities have generated in Brazil."

Both statements indicated that a visit from Rousseff -- once set for Oct. 23 -- could be rescheduled.

"The Brazilian government is confident that when the question is settled in an adequate manner, the state visit can quickly occur," said Rousseff's office.

Rousseff has said she wants an apology from Obama and the United States.

The canceled state visit is the latest fallout from revelations about NSA surveillance programs that Obama and aides say are designed to prevent terrorist attacks.

Brazilian officials objected after reports that the NSA has also used its capability to spy on other countries, including Brazil and Mexico. There are also allegations that the NSA hacked the computer network of Brazil's state-run oil company, Petrobras.

Obama spoke with Rousseff by phone on Monday night, Carney said, and "made clear that he is committed to working together with President Rousseff and her government in diplomatic channels to move beyond this issue as a source of tension in our bilateral relationship."

Carney noted that Obama "has directed a broad review" of U.S. intelligence-gathering activities, but "the process will take several months to complete."

The White House statement held out hope for a rescheduled visit to "celebrate our broad relationship and should not be overshadowed by a single bilateral issue, no matter how important or challenging the issue may be."

The Brazilian president had discussed canceling the trip for days, but said she would await an explanation from Obama. Earlier this month, Rousseff canceled a trip by an advance team of aides who were assigned to prepare for her visit.

Obama had discussed the reports with Rousseff and Mexico President Enrique Pena Nieto during the recent Group of 20 summit in St. Petersburg, Russia.

Last week, National Security Adviser Susan Rice discussed the allegations with the foreign minister of Brazil.

During a G-20 news conference on Sept. 6, Obama said that "what we do is similar to what countries around the world do with their intelligence services," but he would look into the allegations.

"I understand the concerns of the Mexican and Brazilian people, and that we will work with their teams to resolve what is a source of tension," Obama said.

Obama also said he invited Rousseff to the United States because "Brazil is an incredibly important country," one that has moved from authoritarianism to democracy and forged a dynamic economy.

Said Obama: "Obviously, for the two largest nations in the hemisphere to have a strong relationship, that can only be good for the people of our two countries as well as the region."