Monterrey (Mexico), January 14, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Prior to his return to Brazil, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said that ministerial reform has no set date and that he intends to speak to each minister individually, just as he did when he invited them to be part of his Cabinet. He assured that, when he makes any decision about the replacement of ministers, the press will be informed, "since it is impossible to carry out ministerial reform in secret."

Lula emphasized, however, that he will not make ministerial reform the most important among the reforms he intends to make in Brazil during his mandate. "The reform has to be treated as something routine. We are working and conversing with all of them, and at the right moment it will be announced who leaves and who enters," he affirmed. (DAS)