Visiting US Secretary of State Colin Powell urged Brazil on Tuesday to resolve its differences with the International Atomic Energy Agency (IAEA) over inspections of its nuclear facilities.

"I am confident Brazil might be able to work out any problem with the IAEA when they come later this month," Powell said after talks with Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and a brief meeting with Foreign Minister Celso Amorim.

"I don't believe, whatever arrangement Brazil and the IAEA might come to, it will give North Korea (the Democratic People's Republic of Korea) or Iran bargaining power with the IAEA," Powellsaid.

Recently the IAEA accused Brazil of buying nuclear equipment from a Pakistani scientist. Brazil denied the charges, claiming that it has nothing illicit to hide.

IAEA officials are scheduled to visit the nuclear plant in Rio de Janeiro later this month, but the Brazilian government has refused to grant them access to the facility.

Powell started his two-day visit to Brazil Monday for better cooperation with the largest country in South America. He arrived in Brasilia from Sao Paulo Tuesday for meetings with Lula and Amorim.

Powell on Tuesday told Brazilian businessmen in Sao Paulo that Brazil will be an "important candidate" for new permanent members of the United Nations Security Council should the council be expanded.

"My vision is the reform will occur and Brazil, with its strategic position, is an important candidate," Powell said.

Powell also praised the country's efforts in the peace process of Haiti, which may gain credits for Brazil's bid for Security Council permanent membership.

He also stressed that US President George W. Bush's administration is "fully committed" to the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) and hopes to complete the negotiation process in early 2005.

Source: Xinhua