Brasília, November 21, 2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Minister of Justice, Paulo de Tarso, has informed the president of the Commission for Human Rights at the Chamber of Deputies, deputy Orlando Fantazzini (PT-SP), that the Federal Police will set up an advanced post in Serra Pelada, Pará, where 10,000 prospectors are camped at a disputed gold mine area. Last Sunday a union leader was assassinated there.

"There is a climate of extreme tension in the region. Without the presence of the police the conflict will continue and more people will die," said Fantazzini. (AB)