Brazilian President plays down charges against cabinet members

Brasilia, Oct 19 (IANS) Brazilian President Michel Temer has played down the corruption charges against several of his cabinet members.

The President said on Tuesday the charges are minor, describing them as "simply allegations."

He said the government will wait and see whether the cases against his ministers move forward to a stage where there is a need to take action, Xinhua news agency reported.

"These things need to be consolidated. If they do consolidate, then the government will see what it will do," said Temer.

So far, several high-profile names of the Temer's administration have been involved into the Federal Police's Carwash Operation, which is investigating corruption conducts in state-run energy giant Petrobras and other government contracts.

Temer himself has also been mentioned by some accused of taking bribe.

In the past days, two more charges were added during the testimonies of some defendants, who reportedly turned into witness to the State.

Moreira Franco, Executive Secretary of the Investment Partnerships Program, allegedly took 3 million reals (941,600 US dollars) in bribes in 2014.

Sports Minister Eduardo Picciani was accused of money laundering through his family's company engaged in the sale of overpriced cattle.