Brazil tribal chief ready to give President Lula a 'talking-to'

A RENOWNED Brazilian tribal chief was among Indigenous activists on the sidelines of UN climate talks when he said that he was prepared to give the president a “talking-to” if he ignored concerns over oil exploration near the mouth of the Amazon River.

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President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva openly backed the controversial drilling project which began in October when oil giant Petrobras secured a license after a years-long battle.

Raoni Metuktire, the nonagenarian leader of the Kayapo people who rose to fame in the 1980s campaigning against deforestation with British musician Sting, is attending COP30 talks in the Amazon city of Belem.

“I support President Lula, but he must listen to us... He must respect us,” Raoni told journalists after taking part in the opening of the People’s Summit ~a parallel event to COP30 which aims to give voice to those often not heard in high-level climate negotiations.

“T will make an appointment with him, and, if necessary, I will give him a talking-to so that he listens to me,” said Raoni - instantly recognisable for the large wooden plate in his lower lip.