Brazil military plane deal not done yet -ministry

SAO PAULO, Sept 8 (Reuters) - Brazil has yet to close the selection process for a contract to buy 36 fighter planes and all three finalists will still be able to compete, according to a statement from Brazil's Defense Ministry on Tuesday.

After Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva met French President Nicolas Sarkozy this week, top government officials said Brazil was planning to begin final negotiations with France's Dassault Aviation (AVMD.PA) to buy 36 Rafale fighter jets. [ID:nL740276]

The two other finalists are U.S.-based Boeing Co (BA.N) and Saab (SAABb.ST) of Sweden.

The selection process is not yet closed, the statement noted, and "will proceed with negotiations among the three participants." (Reporting by Luciana Lopez; editing by Mohammad Zargham)