Brasília, 19/11/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Yesterday the government announced punitive measures against companies and businessmen who use slave-type labor or damage the environment on their property. As of now, such acts will bar those responsible from access to credit in state-run institutions.

An executive order signed by minister of National Integration, Ciro Gomes, prohibits the Banco da Amazônia, Banco do Nordeste, North Development Agency (Agência de Desenvolvimento do Norte – ADA) and the Northeast Development Agency (Agência de Desenvolvimento do Nordeste – Adene) from operating with firms or persons that engage in such activities. (AB)