Latin America Digest: Today’s one-line news briefs

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Sao Paulo, Brazil -- Brazil’s government should hear native Indians before deciding on the construction of a controversial $17.3 billion hydroelectric dam in the heart of the Amazon rain forest, rock star and environmental activist Sting said Sunday.

Brasilia, Brazil -- Hundreds of Brazilians protested the impending visit of Iranian President Mahmoud Ahmadinejad, citing his animosity toward Israel, his government’s controversial nuclear activities and his declarations against homosexuals.

Caracas, Venezuela -- Venezuela has no interest in talking directly to Colombia to end months of tensions between the two countries but would support an effort by other South American nations to broker a solution, a top government official said.

Caracas, Venezuela -- President Hugo Chavez hailed the forthcoming arrival of 300 Russian-made tanks and armored vehicles, and urged civilians to join government-organized militias to be ready to defend Venezuela from a foreign invasion.

-- Times wire reports