Olympics will bring national reconciliation: Tremer

Brazil's interim president Michel Temer said that next month's Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro will be "a time of international unity and national reconciliation."

In a message released on social media, Temer on Friday said the Brazilian government has taken all necessary measures to ensure the "safety and health" of participants and spectators at the Games, which begin August 5, reports Efe.

Security arrangements include the deployment of nearly 90,000 military personnel and police, he said.

Regarding the Zika virus, Temer said athletes and fans have no reason for concern because Brazilian health authorities are coping with the problem.

Moreover, he added, the mosquitoes that carry Zika, along with other diseases such as dengue fever and Chikungunya, are much less active because it is winter in the Southern Hemisphere.

"We offer safety and health and we want to fraternize with all peoples of the world in this historic meeting, the Olympic Games. So be calm and come to Rio," Temer said.

--IANS

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