São Paulo, 2/17/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Presidential Chief of Staff, José Dirceu, minister of Finance, Antonio Pallocci, and the governor of São Paulo, Geraldo Alckmin, had a two-hour meeting yesterday to discuss Social Security and tax reform. Following the meeting, Dirceu said the reforms are "essential, urgent and necessary."

Dirceu explained that the meeting with Alckmin occurred before other governors because of the size and importance of São Paulo. He said there were many points of agreement, but that the reforms "are not easy, they affect many interests, rights and privileges." Dirceu concluded by saying that the government is aware of the problems, but expects the reforms to be ready by the end of the first half of this year. (AB)