Israeli president to visit Brazil

Israeli President Shimon Peres is to visit Brazil next week, just days before his country's archfoe, Iranian leader Mahmoud Ahmadinejad is to also arrive, according to officials.

Peres is scheduled to visit Brasilia, Sao Paulo and Rio de Janeiro between November 10 and 15, the Israeli embassy and Brazilian officials said.

Ahmadinejad, who has called for Israel to be wiped off the map, is due to be in Brazil on November 23 after pushing back a visit originally meant to have taken place in May.

Brazil is seeking a bigger role on the world stage commensurate with its burgeoning economic clout. Part of its strategy is to act as a mediator in the Middle East.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva was the first leader to congratulate Ahmadinejad on keeping power in June elections that were challenged by accusations of fraud and subsequent street protests.

He has also supported Iran's nuclear program in the teeth of international skepticism, saying Tehran had the right to peaceful atomic energy.

According to officials, Lula will meet Peres next Wednesday, the day after the Israeli president lands in Brasilia.

On Thursday next week, Peres will go to Sao Paulo where an Israeli-Brazilian business conference will take place, then from Friday to Sunday, he will visit Rio to inspect sporting venues to be used for the 2014 football World Cup and the 2016 Olympic Games.

Peres will continue on to Argentina after Brazil.

His trip to Brazil -- the first by an Israeli president since 1966 -- was prepared months ago with a visit by Israeli Foreign Minister Avigdor Lieberman, who urged Lula to use his influence on Iran to stop Tehran's nuclear activities.