Vienna, Austria – An environmental activist caused a momentary sensation Friday during the taking of the official photograph of leaders here for the EU-Latin America summit when she let drop her dress and paraded before the assembled dignitaries in a bikini while holding aloft a sign decrying pollution.
Evangelina Cardoso had obtained a press pass that allowed her to get through the tight security surrounding the conclave.
She said she was acting on behalf of the environmental organization Geenpeace in parading in her skimpy attire before the 60 heads of state and government waiting to get their picture snapped.
Cardoso held up a sign in Spanish and English reading “No pulpmill pollution,” a reference to the dispute between Argentina and Uruguay over proposed construction of two big cellulose plants on the Uruguayan side of the river that forms part of the two nations’ border.
The woman, who described herself as “the queen of the carnival of Gualeguaychu” – the city on the Argentine side that wants the plants blocked – was detained by security personnel and escorted from the venue.
Most of the leaders appeared amused at the interruption and Hugo Chavez, president of Venezuela, applauded the young woman.
