Brasília, 7/30/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Minister of Justice, Márcio Thomaz Bastos, says that if it is necessary the Brazilian Federal Police can be used in property invasion cases, although usually such problems are handled by the civil and military police forces. The minister reports that a survey of property invasions nationwide is underway and that the situation is being monitored permanently.

"It is fundamental to ensure that the rule of law is respected - we aim to do just that," declared Bastos, adding that at the moment the work was mostly intelligence gathering.

With regard to the judiciary strike set to begin on August 5, the minister once again called for another solution. "The idea of a judiciary strike is a grave error. Judges cannot go on strike," he stated. (AB)