Brasília, 26 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Net public debt in January of 2002 totalled R$ 685.286 billion (US$ 282.7 billion), equivalent to 55.2% of GDP, compared to R$ 660.867 billion (US$ 272.6 billion) or 53.4% of GDP in December 2001. According to a note from the Central Bank released yesterday, the increase occurred principally because of a stronger dollar and old debts currently placed on the books. (AB)