Rio, July 30, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Yesterday (29), at the Social Participation Forum, which is discussing proposals for the 2004-2007 Pluriannual Investment Plan (PPA), the Ministers of Health, Humberto Costa, and Social Assistance, Benedita da Silva, defended an increase in the public debt limits of states and municipalities that are financially sound, beyond what is established in the agreement signed with the International Monetary Fund (IMF). According to the Ministers, this matter is present in government debates, even though no position has been defined yet.

"These hearings in the states are starting points that will have continuity, afterwards, in the implementation of the PPA. Our objective is to manage, in fact, to institute social control of the government's actions," explained the Secretary of Planning and Strategic Investment of the Ministry of Planning and general-coordinator of the PPA, Sebastião Soares.

The results of all the forums - the last one is scheduled for next Monday in Brasília - will be delivered to President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on August 14. The government will use the input from the states to consolidate the projects and programs in the 2004-2007 Pluriannual Plan, which should be submitted to the National Congress by August 31. (DAS)