Brasília, 6/17/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The government is not willing to make changes to controversial items in its tax and social security reform bills, even though there have been protests from some sectors of society, says presidential spokesman, Andre Singer. Pointing out that the bills were drawn up based on proposals agreed on by the Economic and Social Development Council (which consists of representatives of all segments of society) and all 27 state governors, Singer said the government has already done its part.

"The government will always be willing to talk, but at the same time it remains faithful to agreements made in forums before the social security and tax reform bills went to congress," said the spokesman. Singer added that at this time the government intends to be attentive to what happens in congress, "an institution that knows what must be done and how to make its own sovereign decision on the matter." (AB)