Brazil president asks Justice Minister to prioritise Rio 2016 security

Brazilian President Dilma Rousseff has asked new Justice Minister Wellington Cesar to give priority to security during the Rio de Janeiro Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Cesar replaced Jose Eduardo Cardozo, who at the same time became the Attorney General (AGU) on Thursday, reports Xinhua.

"Among the new minister's many tasks, security during the Rio de Janeiro Olympics and Paralympics is a priority for this year," said Rousseff at the Planalto Palace in the capital city of Brasilia.

Rousseff wished Cesar success in his new position on and off the sports fields.

The president recommended that "they use all their energy" to adopt prevention methods that are "necessary for the Olympic Games to run smoothly".

Since her first term in office (2011), all the government's actions have been guided by a commitment to strengthen government institutions and observe the Constitution, according to Rousseff.

"These guidelines will continue to be followed by the new heads department, law professionals with extensive experience," added Rousseff.

The 2016 Olympic Games will take place from August 5 to 21, followed by the Paralympic Games.