President Temer Confirms Meeting with Businessman but Denies Having Bought Cunha's Silence

05/18/2017 - 12h09

In a statement to the press released on Wednesday, May 17, President Michel Temer confirmed that he had had a meeting with businessman Joesley Batista. However, he also said that he "never asked payments be made to buy the silence of former federal legislator Eduardo Cunha".

President Temer also said that the meeting with the owner of JBS occurred early in March at Palácio do Jaburu, the official residence of the Vice President of Brazil, but "in the conversation there was nothing that could jeopardize the president's demeanor."

	Danilo Verpa/Folhapress
	Brazil Businessman Joesley Batista

In his statement, Temer says "he did not participate or authorize any action to avoid a plea agreement or collaboration with the court system of the former congressman."

Through his press office, the president also said that he "defends broad and full investigation to verify all the accusations disclosed by the press and the punishment of those involved in any illegal acts that may be proved."

Temer was recorded by one of the owners of group J&F – the proprietor of JBS – as he was commenting on actions to buy the silence of former federal legislator Eduardo Cunha (PMBD-RJ). The information was disclosed on Wednesday night, May 17, by columnist Lauro Jardim of "O Globo" newspaper and confirmed by Folha.

Here is the full statement:

"President Michel Temer never asked payments be made to buy the silence of former federal legislator Eduardo Cunha. He did not participate or authorize any action to avoid a plea agreement or collaboration with the court system of the former congressman.

The meeting with businessman Joesley Batista occurred early in March at Palácio do Jaburu, but in the conversation there was nothing that could jeopardize the president's demeanor.

The president defends broad and full investigation to verify all the accusations disclosed by the press and the punishment of those involved in any illegal acts that may be proved."

Translated by THOMAS MUELLO

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