Brasília, November 22, 2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The president of the World Bank, James Wolfensohn, says he hopes the Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva government will continue programs already begun by the Fernando Henrique Cardoso administration. "Cardoso did a lot and that is a good reason for Lula to move ahead with the programs," he said.

He added that over the next 3 years, the bank will release between US$6 billion and US$10 billion for Brazil and that he "anxiously" awaits being a partner with the new government.

"This is an important moment for Brazil and the world," he said, adding that social disparities, especially in Latin America, must be reduced because, "If they are not reduced and corrections placed on track there will be significant problems." (AB)