Brasília, January 10, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Minister of Justice, Márcio Thomaz Bastos, took part today in the first meeting of a work group created, in partnership with the Ministry of Cities, to regularize the situation of property ownership in the country. The team will be in charge of planning a program and formulating proposals, including making it possible for slum dwellers to receive title to property they occupy irregularly.

The project will make life easier for the needy population who, if they have proof of residence, become eligible for bank loans, for example, and will allow the State to have greater control over public lands. (DAS)