Bolsonaro attacks 'lying' media on Amazon fires, demands respect for Brazil's sovereignty

Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro addresses the 74th session of the United Nations General Assembly at U.N. headquarters in New York City, New York, U.S., September 24, 2019. REUTERS/Lucas Jackson

UNITED NATIONS (Reuters) - Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro said on Tuesday the Amazon rainforest was not being devastated by fires as reported by "lying" media and that foreign interest in the region was due to its mineral wealth and biodiversity, not its indigenous people.

In a speech to the United Nations General Assembly, Bolsonaro said it was untrue to claim the Amazon is part of global heritage and any foreign aid to help protect the rainforest must fully respect Brazilian sovereignty.