Ouro Preto (MG), 4/22/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Speaking yesterday in the city of Ouro Preto, president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva,declared that the message from Brazil's first independence movement was clear: people must have the right to decide their own destiny ("apenas o próprio povo pode definir o seu destino"). Lula made his remark at commemorations of the first attempt at independence by Brazil, celebrated as Tiradentes Day, which took place at the end of 18th century.

"We are doing everything possible to make the promise of globalization with social justice a reality. We seek to plant seeds of opportunity and want everyone to have a share in the harvest," said Lula. (AB)