Brazil's President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva reiterated the importance of integration among the countries of South America to strengthen and consolidate the continent's position on the international stage.

According to Lula, the consolidation of this integration, so long promised by South American leaders, requires more than just rhetorical resources.

"It has to mean the construction of roads, bridges, highways, railroads, waterways, airports, and communications, so that people can move around," the President remarked.

The President once again commented that the 21st century will belong to Brazil, just as the 19th was Europe's and the 20th, that of the United States.

"We will not let the 21st century escape. It will belong to Brazil and South America, but, for this to happen, we must believe in and work for it," Lula emphasized.

Regarding the development of the Mercosur, Lula pointed out that it is important for Brazil and Argentina, as more developed countries, to support Paraguay and Uruguay.

Lula made these declarations yesterday, February 22, during a speech in Corumbá, in the state of Mato Grosso do Sul, where he went to sign the terms for the implantation of a Mining and Steel Pole in that city.

Translation: David Silberstein
Agência Brasil

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from Canada
written by Guest, February 23, 2005

I love my President. For the first time, for a long long time, we have someone that truly want us to do well. Someone that is not ashamed of our poverty, or ugly side, because he comes from there. I believe on the President, and that's why I have decided to go back to Brasil. Happiness is where we feel at home. "Be the changes you want to se in the world" Gandhi.

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written by Guest, February 24, 2005

It´s nice to see that you wish Brasil the best, Lula, but I don´t think that trying to be the "big boy on the block" is in Brazil´s best interest for the 21st century.

Why not be happy trying to emmulate the smaller, more socially just countries where poverty and crime are low and education is high priority and something available to all. I´d much rather see Brasil go something along the lines of Australia, Canada, New Zealand - lovely places, economically stable, they don´t seem to be attacking other countries at on whims, and most of their citizens are well educated, healthy and live comfortable lives.

The US still has poverty, crime, a massive education problem, and aside from that, they are curently hated everywhere. Is this what you wish to see for Brasil?

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written by Guest, February 24, 2005

I find it interesting that a president who is so critical of the US is so intent on being just like it.

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written by Guest, March 31, 2005

Lula is out of his mind. "well your at it Lula, why not wish for a new pair of
football boots"

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written by Guest, June 08, 2006

I have no doubt that Brazil will be a very rich and powerful nation some day.

Brazil do not copy the USA.
You are better than that. Be wiser, richer and make lots of friends.

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