Brasília, August 1, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) mission, Jorge Marquez-Ruarte, who met today with the Minister of Finance, Antônio Palocci, informed that he will recommend approval of the review of Brazil's accounts and that the fiscal goals will not be changed.

Ruarte commended the reform proposals that are under consideration in the National Congress, and, with respect to the Social Security reform, he said that what is important is not how it will be done, but that it be done. He also forecasted growth in the Brazilian economy for the last quarter of this year. (DAS)