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The American Ambassador to Brazil, John Danilovich, said today that he views
Brazil as "the anchor of South America."
At a luncheon with over 130 Brazilian and American businessmen at the
American Chamber of Commerce in São Paulo, the Ambassador commended President
Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva for his effort on behalf of political stability in
Latin America and in pursuit of sustainable development.
"We support, esteem, and applaud Brazil's leadership," he affirmed.
Danilovich also highlighted the performance of Antônio Palocci at the helm of
the Ministry of Finance and Henrique Meirelles in the Central Bank.
"Palocci and Meirelles' efforts have been recognized and appreciated not only
on Wall Street, but in London and Frankfurt, as well.
"There is a recognition of the steps taken by President Lula's government in
the direction of sustainable development," he said.
"It is the hope of the international community that he carry on in this
direction," he observed.
The Ambassador recalled the importance of the visit made to Brazil early this
month by American Secretary of State, Colin Powell.
"He didn't come to visit various Latin American countries. He came just to
Brazil. This is an extremely important trip for an American Secretary of State
and shows the United States' respect for Brazil," Danilovich declared.
The protection of industrial property and copyrights and the registration of
patents were among the topics discussed by the businessmen who attended the
luncheon.
The American Ambassador said that he understands the frustration some sectors
feel with respect to Brazil, and he guaranteed that the protection of patents
and intellectual property is very important to the American government.
"We are familiar with this problem, and we shall analyze it," he assured.
"The Brazilian government makes progress, but at times it seems to diminish
its efforts, and we find this unacceptable," he concluded. The matter had
already been broached by Powell during his visit to Brazil.
According to Danilovich, the Free Trade Area of the Americas (FTAA) should
gain impetus starting in January, 2005.
"I think that the whole process will be accelerated," he said.
The Ambassador asserted that the Bush Administration is strongly committed to
increasing trade between the United States and the countries of Latin America
and that this policy will continue in a new term of office.
Sustained Growth
"The country is getting ready to embark on a lasting cycle of sustained
growth."
This declaration was made, by the president of the Central Bank, Henrique
Meirelles, in a rebuttal of criticisms of the way the institution is conducting
monetary policy.
Accordng to Meirelles, Brazil's economic condition, with the resumption of
growth, is a demonstration that this policy is moving in the right direction.
Meirelles underlined this year's export growth as indicative of the positive
results of the government's policy.
"It is important for the Central Bank not to be carried away by desires for
immediate results, but chiefly by concrete steps that experience shows will lead
to concrete results," he said.
Agência Brasil
Translator: David
Silberstein
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