São Paulo, November 25, 2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - President-elect Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva (popularly known as Lula) affirmed today in this capital that he will create a permanent forum of discussion with Social Security pensioners. He made the declaration at a breakfast with retired metallurgicial workers in the ABC (industrial area in São Paulo). The group demands a channel of discussion in Brasília for matters related to Social Security.

"This is not a campaign pledge, but, rather, a lifetime pledge," Lula affirmed. In 1978 he founded the Association of Retired Metallurgical Workers in the ABC, of which he is currently honorary president. (DAS)