Irene Lôbo
Reporter Agência Brasil

Brasília – A survey by the Ministry of Health has found that there was a reduction in the number of deaths by firearms in Brazil in 2004. In his radio program, president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said that the survey showed that 3,000 lives were saved. "The Brazilian people have discovered a magic word called 'peace,'" said the president.

Lula said the country's disarmament campaign had been a success. When it began, it was estimated that 80,000 firearms would be turned in. But what happend was that between July 2004 and August 2005, 443,000 firearms were turned in to authorities.

"People understood that a gun at home could be a danger at home. The decision to turn in all these weapons is important and healthy," he declared.

As for the bandits, Lula said that only more police, working more effectively, will be able to disarm them.

Translator: Allen Bennett