New defense minister takes charge of post-crash Brazil air traffic

BRASILIA (AFP) - Newly appointed Defense Minister Nelson Jobim yesterday took charge of commercial air traffic, aiming to restore safety a week after Brazil's deadlist air disaster.

"This has to work like an orchestra, of which I am the conductor under orders from the president," Jobim said.

President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva appointed Jobim after firing his predecessor, amid political fallout from the crash.

Brazil's air traffic is controlled by the military, which has met withering criticism since July 17 when some 200 persons died in a fiery crash in Sao Paulo.

Brazil's air traffic has been in crisis since the previous most-deadly accident in September, when a GOL airliner collided with a private jet, killing all 154 aboard the jetliner.

Since then, air traffic controllers have struck periodically for better working conditions, equipment upgrades and against their military management.

Jobim did not reveal proposed changes, which he said would be announced on Monday.

He led a moment of silence for the 200 victims, most of whom have still not been identified because the intensity of the fire after the crash burned bodies beyond recognition.