Rio, 10 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - President Fernando Henrique Cardoso, speaking yesterday at the Brazil 2003-2006 seminar, described the Brazilian people as fearless, innovative, conscientious and anxious for change.

"It is true that income has not risen the way we wanted, but it is certain that today all the revenue from income taxes collected by the federal government is earmarked for social assistance programs which go to the poorer members of society. That works out to R$30 billion (US$10.5 billion) for programs such as unemployment insurance and retirement benefits for rural workers," said Cardoso. (AB)