Ronaldo defends Valcke's criticism towards Brazil

 　　RIO DE JANEIRO, March 8 (Xinhua) -- Ronaldo defended FIFA's Secretary General Jerome Valcke's recent harsh words towards the Brazil's delayed World Cup preparations upon his arrival for routine inspections¹.

　　Valcke declared last week that projects and construction in Brazil are behind schedule and are near a standstill. He also stated that the organizers of the World Cup in Brazil need a "kick in the pants" in order to get things moving.

　　Perhaps in an effort to pacify² the uncomfortable climate between Brazilian organizers and FIFA, Ronaldo, a member of Brazil 's Local Organizing Committee, came to the defense³ of the Secretary General and agreed with his criticism.

　　Ronaldo claimed Thursday that Valcke's statements may have gotten lost in translation and ended up offending Brazilians. Additionally, Ronaldo admitted that many projects are indeed behind schedule, but highlighted that most stadium construction sites in capital cities are on schedule.

　　Before arriving in Brazil, Valcke apologized to all Brazilians who were offended by his comment. However, Brazil's Minister of Sports, Aldo Rebelo, promised to continue with his petition to have Valcke removed from negotiations⁴ between FIFA and the Brazilian government.

　　Rebelo also promised that he would respond to Valcke's apology, but has yet to do so nearly five days after Valcke's appeal.

　　FIFA president Joseph Blatter sent an official letter to the Brazilian government asking for forgiveness regarding Valcke's insensitive words.

1 inspections   

n.检查( inspection的名词复数 )；检验；视察；检阅

参考例句：

• Regular inspections are carried out at the prison. 经常有人来视察这座监狱。
• Government inspections ensure a high degree of uniformity in the standard of service. 政府检查确保了在服务标准方面的高度一致。 来自《简明英汉词典》

2 pacify   

vt.使(某人)平静(或息怒)；抚慰

参考例句：

• He tried to pacify the protesters with promises of reform.他试图以改革的承诺安抚抗议者。
• He tried to pacify his creditors by repaying part of the money.他为安抚债权人偿还了部分借款。

3 defense   

n.防御，保卫；[pl.]防务工事；辩护，答辩

参考例句：

• The accused has the right to defense.被告人有权获得辩护。
• The war has impacted the area with military and defense workers.战争使那个地区挤满了军队和防御工程人员。

4 negotiations   

协商( negotiation的名词复数 )； 谈判； 完成（难事）； 通过

参考例句：

• negotiations for a durable peace 为持久和平而进行的谈判
• Negotiations have failed to establish any middle ground. 谈判未能达成任何妥协。