Cairo - For the first time in the history of the Arab League, a Latin American head of state addressed the organization. President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva declared that Brazil wants to help in the quest for Mideast peace and called for a greater role for the United Nations in both Iraq and Palestine. Lula added that Brazil supports the ideal of self-determination for people and sovereignity for nations.

Lula went on to say that he has always been in favor of solutions at the multilateral level, but does not want to get into conflict with rich nations because of that position. He said that developing nations could make a difference on the international scene by insisting on a more balanced relationship. "It is just not fair to have a few countries get a lot and many countries get very little."

Lula reported on Brazilian social assistance programs, such as Zero Hunger and Family Health and Farming. He announced that Libya, the final country he will visit on his trip, is interested in opening a diplomatic office in Brasilia.

In closing, Lula said he is optimistic about the South American - Middle East summit scheduled for next year in Brazil where the 22 member-states of the Arab League will be represented. (AB)