Besides voting new ambassadors nominations, members of the Committee on External Relations and National Defense (CRE) would like to have informal contacts with Brazilian ambassadors in other countries. The suggestion was made by senator Inácio Arruda (PCdoB-CE) and was well received by ambassadors that had the nominations approved on Thursday (20) by CRE.

- It is important to know how things are going in certain countries after a nomination is approved - Inácio Arruda said.

Senator Eduardo Azeredo (PSDB-MG), that presided the meeting, supported the proposal and reminded he has already presented a request to current Brazilian ambassador in Buenos Aires, Mauro Vieira, asking him to talk to the committee about Mercosul current situation. As it is an innovation, he reminded, the meeting with CRE members could happen in an informal way, as a working breakfast.

Jorge D' Escragnolle Taunay Filho, nominated ambassador to Peru, received with enthusiasm the idea of periodic meetings with the senators. Life and work in foreign countries, he said, are frequently lonely, and a lot of times it is difficult to know how a diplomat performance is being evaluated.

- A Senate invitation would be a powerful professional incentive - Taunay said.

João de Mendonça Lima Neto, ambassador nominated to Vietnam, also agreed with Inácio Arruda's suggestion. He affirmed that the periodic meetings could happen during the trips that the ambassadors make to Brazil in the period when they are in foreign countries.

Senator Edison Lobão (DEM-MA) suggested that ambassadors previously approved for other positions should not be heard once more by CRE when they are nominated to new embassies.