Rio, 12/3/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Consulate General of the United States in Rio de Janeiro has released a note on the death of the director for gas and energy of the multinational Shell for Brazil and Latin America, Zera Todd Staheli.

The text of the note reads:

"This is a tragic crime and we send our deepest condolences to the Staheli family. The Consulate General of the United States in Rio de Janeiro has total confidence in Brazilian authorities and the investigation they are making of the crime." (AB)