WASHINGTON – The Brazilian government is rejecting $20 million in aid pledged by G-7 leaders to fight fires in the Amazon rainforest, according to several reports.

French President Emmanuel Macron announced Monday that the G-7 leaders agreed to set up the aid to help combat the fires. The leaders, who include President Donald Trump, met in Biarritz, France, this past weekend for the G-7 summit.

Luís Fernando Serra, Brazil's ambassador to France, said Tuesday morning that his country is rejecting the aid because it was not involved in the discussions and that the "language is ambiguous," Politico Europe reported.

“We refuse because we see interference. (It’s) help we didn’t ask for," he said on French TV, according to the report. "The G-7 help was decided without Brazil.”

Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said later Tuesday that he would accept the aid only if Macron retracts comments he made calling Bolsonaro a "liar," The Associated Press reported.

Bolsonaro also accused Macron of questioning Brazil's sovereignty amid tensions over the Amazon fires. He said Macron must retract some of his comments "and then we can speak.”

Pressure, prayers and protests:Amazon fires push Brazil to the forefront of international conversations

In addition, Onyx Lorenzoni, chief of staff to Bolsonaro, said Monday that the aid is "more relevant to reforest Europe," according to CNN and Politico Europe. Both outlets cited Bolsonaro's comments to G1 Globo, a Brazilian news portal.

"Macron cannot even avoid a predictable fire in a church that is part of the world's heritage, and he wants to give us lessons for our country?" he said, referencing the Notre Dame cathedral fire that happened in April.

Deforestation in the Amazon has surged under Bolsonaro's tenure, with 74,000 wildfires across Brazil this year. Since taking office in January, Bolsonaro has encouraged mining and farming in the forest.

What we know:Amazon rainforest fire a 'crisis', Macron says, but Brazil pushes back

Lorenzoni in his statement on Monday accused the G-7 leaders of treating Brazil like a colony.

"Brazil is a democratic nation, free and never had colonial or imperialistic practices which might be (the) objective of Frenchman Macron," he said.

Although he didn't comment on Brazil's decision to not accept the aid, Trump said that Bolsonaro has "complete support" from the United States.

"I have gotten to know President @jairbolsonaro well in our dealings with Brazil," Trump wrote Tuesday. "He is working very hard on the Amazon fires and in all respects doing a great job for the people of Brazil – Not easy. He and his country have the full and complete support of the USA!"

Contributing: Elizabeth Lawrence

Like what you’re reading? Download the USA TODAY app for more