Brasília, November 21, 2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The president of the World Bank (IBRD), James Wolfensohn, affirmed today that he is ready to continue working in partnership with Brazil on social programs. Wolfensohn said that the crucial items mentioned by president-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva at their meeting today were the wars against hunger and poverty.

Wolfensohn affirmed that the World Bank has US$ 6-10 billion to lend Brazil, but he emphasized that "poverty and hunger are not questions that involve money alone; wealthy people and civil society must collaborate with the government. No amount will solve the problem, unless there is a national will." As for the president-elect, he affirmed: "I felt that I was with a responsible person and that he has a dream: that is a brilliant combination." (DAS)