Brasília, January 12, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - On Friday (9), in a meeting at the Planalto Palace, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva asked the Minister of Science and Technology, Roberto Amaral, to remain at his post. The Minister handed the President a letter placing his position at the President's disposal.

Next Wednesday (14), when he returns from his trip to Mexico, the President will continue discussions of the matter with the Minister.

At President Lula's request, the head of the Presidential Civilian Advisory Staff, José Dirceu, accompanied Amaral to the lobby of the Planalto Palace, where they conceded an interview to the press. "The President told me to remain in the post and that we would converse again on Wednesday. Apart from that, it's all fantasy and speculation," Amaral said.

The Minister said that a series of projects for his Ministry was approved at the meeting with the President. (DAS)