Brasilia, 1 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - President Fernando Henrique Cardoso declared Thursday that we wants to promote a tax reform in Brazil. "We know our system is distorted. Then why not vote for a tax reform?," asked the president, adding that taxes are necessary for the government to guarantee resources for the poorest population of Brazil. He defended also the creation of an Added Value Tax (Imposto sobre Valor Agregado - IVA), which would be a single tax of 5%.

Cardoso also declared that it's his responsibility to continue working and discussing issues such as public security and a tax reform. "I have 10 more months in the government. I will work till December 31. It's my responsibility to keep fighting," he emphasized. (MW)