Brazilian military ready to take over security in Rio
The Brazilian Armed Forces are ready to take over the responsibility of Rio de Janeiro State's public security if President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva orders it, said the Army's Commander-in-chief Enzo Martins Peri on Tuesday.

Governor Sergio Cabrals had asked for military help in the region's highway and crossroads patrols. By constitution, if Lula authorizes the operation, the state law enforcement institutions will be put under the federal forces' control, Peri said.

President Lula is expected to make his decision in two weeks.

The capital of the state will hold the 15th Pan American Games in July. About 6,000 officers of the National Security Force are expected to join the state police to boost security during the event.