
The Brazilian Indians who occupied the construction site of a hydroelectric dam and took more than 150 workers hostage in the far southern portion of the country’s Amazon region on Monday have released the last five people they were holding, a government spokesman said.

A group of about 300 Indians from 11 different groups on Sunday seized a controversial dam that is under construction in Brazil’s Amazon jungle and took about 100 workers hostage, officials said.

With only two and a half months left for October 3 presidential election the ruling party candidate, Dilma Rousseff and Jose Serra from the opposition remain in a technical tie according to an opinion poll released over the weekend. The Datafolha poll showed Rousseff with 36% of voter intention against 37% for former Sao Paulo state Governor Serra.

Brazil's President Lula da Silva broke down to tears in front of the TV cameras during an interview with Brazilian network TV Record when the popular leader recapped some of his administration's social achievements.

Brazil is following “closely and with great concern” the latest developments between Colombia and Venezuela said the Brazilian Foreign Office, Itamaraty, confirming that President Lula da Silva will be travelling to meet with his Venezuelan counterpart Hugo Chavez next August 6, as was scheduled.

Brazilian incumbent presidential candidate Dilma Rousseff revealed that Brazil is patrolling its border area next to Paraguay with an UAV (Unmanned Aerial Vehicle) hoping to control the inflow of narcotics, weapons and illegal merchandise (contraband).

Brazil’ presidential campaign has become increasingly controversial with opposition candidate Jose Serra claiming close links between the Colombian guerrillas’ FARC and President Lula da Silva’s ruling Workers Party.

Brazil’s central bank signalled it may stop raising interest rates soon after policy makers unexpectedly slowed the pace of increases and said inflation was less of a threat amid slowing global growth.

British airline Flybe has struck a deal with Brazilian plane manufacturer Embraer to buy 35 aircraft worth 1.3 billion US dollars, as it drives expansion in continental Europe. The announcement was done Tuesday during the Farnborough Air Show in England.

The Brazilian government announced Monday investments equivalent to 3.2 billion US dollars to upgrade airports in anticipation of the 2014 World Soccer Cup, one of the most sensitive issues for the massive infrastructure needed to handle millions of visitors.