Brasília, August 1, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva decided to post the one-week trip he was to make to Mozambique, South Africa, Namibia, San Tomé and Principe, and Angola, beginning next Tuesday (5). According to a note released today by the Ministry of Foreign Relations, the President made the decision due to the "critical moment" in the passage of the reforms, particularly, the Social Security reform, which should go to the floor of the Chamber of Deputies some time next week.

"In view of the high priority he assigns to Brazil's relationship with the countries of Africa, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva will try to make the aforementioned trip in the beginning of November, it this is convenient for the five countries scheduled to receive his visit," says the note.

The President's decision was transmitted today to the governments of the five countries he was to visit, and contacts were initiated to reschedule the trip. (DAS)