Brasília, November 13, 2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - André Singer, spokesman of the Workers' Party, informed today that president-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (popularly known as Lula) and US president George W. Bush will meet on December 10 in the United States.

According to Singer, Lula will travel to Argentina and Chile, on as yet unspecified dates, before his trip to the US. Singer said that the visit to Argentina and Chile aims to reaffirm ties of friendship and reinforce the Mercosur. The spokesman added that the future administration intends to integrate Chile, which currently participates as an observer, within the Mercosur.

If there is sufficient time, after the meeting with Bush, Lula will travel to countries in Europe, prior to his inauguration. Singer also said that Lula will not meet with the International Monetary Fund (IMF) technical mission which is currently in Brazil. (DAS)