Brasília, November 22, 2002 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - President Fernando Henrique Cardoso said yesterday that the recent rise in the Brazilian benchmark interest rate (Selic) was to halt the possible return of inflation and avoid another nightmare for Brazilians. "I am responsible for the country. We have had a stable situation for years. And now, no matter how hard it is, and it is hard, we must have responsible policies. By doing this we are helping the next government," he said. "Nobody likes to raise interest rates. I am hoping they will come down, but that depends on what the market does. I think the exchange rate is now stable. It is also possible that inflationary pressure will drop, as well." (AB)