Brasília, November 21, 2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Today's meeting between the government-elect's transition team and the United States Assistant Secretary of State for Latin America, Otto Reich, discussed topics like the need to re-establish credit lines for Brazil and the suspension of economic barriers imposed on national exports.

According to federal deputy and senator-elect Aloyzio Mercadante, the meeting also dealt with the encounter scheduled for December 10, in Washington, between president-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva and the US president, George W. Bush. Mercadante considered the invitation extended to Lula, even before he has taken office, "a very special deference." "This gesture should be understood as an attitude of respect, reinforcing ties of friendship and economic and trade links, which are very old and very strong," he affirmed. (DAS)