São Luiz, December 31, 2003 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The president of the National Congress, Senator José Sarney (PMDB-AP), calls for the participation of his party in Lula's Administration and an alliance with the PT, to consolidate further the process of governability in 2004. Sarney said yesterday (30) that he is favorable to the re-election of Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, "so that he can have more time to implement his programs."

According to the Senator, "Lula is conducting a great Administration and deserves a longer period to complement his cycle." He added that "Lula has strong leadership" and that "unemployment remains the biggest challenge to be met." In the opinion of the president of the Congress, "the federal government is aware of this, and it is a problem that is built into the process of economic development." (DAS)