Brasília, 12/11/2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The president of the European Economic and Social Council, Roger Briesch, says that Brazilian leadership in South America has speeded up the trade talks between the EU and Mercosur.

"We are pleased with the determination of Brazil to move ahead with these negotiations," said Briesch, speaking at an international seminar on development strategies and the social contract. Briesch declared that he was interested in discussing the relation of trade and social inclusion in Europe and South America with minister Tarso Genro, who heads the Brazilian Economic and Social Council, which is sponsoring the seminar. (AB)