Sports minister sees Olympics as Brazil's chance to recover

NEW YORK (AP) Brazil's new sports minister says that the upcoming Olympic Games in Rio de Janeiro will help Latin America's largest economy emerge from a deep recession and showcase the country's beauty to the world.

In an interview with The Associated Press on Wednesday, Leonardo Picciani says Brazil will deliver successful and peaceful games despite the current economic, political and social instability.

Picciani concedes a decision on suspended President Dilma Rousseff's impeachment could come during the Aug. 5-21 Rio Games. But he says visitors shouldn't worry about the risk of violent protests or street crime since policing will be plentiful.

The minister also says Brazil's financial crisis should not impact the Olympics because most construction is finished.