Brasília, January 27, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The Minister of Education, Tarso Genro, said that he has no reluctance about replacing Cristovam Buarque. "I feel no discomfort. This is an act that is up to the President. It could happen to any one of us. The substitution of Minister Cristovam is political in nature and does not reflect at all on the job he did nor on his political and moral stature," Genro affirmed.

The Minister and ex-Minister met yesterday (26) afternoon to exchange information about the post. On his way out, Genro said that he is proud "to replace one of our country's great intellectuals," and he affirmed that he will strive to add to efforts on the country's behalf.

"It is a very difficult task to replace him, but I am absolutely certain that I shall receive his enormous collaboration and that this substitution will be a plus on behalf of the country. I have been Cristovam's friend for at least 20 years, and we have never been at odds; to the contrary, we have always helped each other from a political perspective, and this moment for me represents a moment of great responsibility," the new Minister declared.

Ex-Minister Buarque said that he is neither annoyed nor hurt over the Cabinet change. "Annoyance is childish, and hurt is something for a love relationship. I was left with a feeling of frustration and relief. Frustration for all I'd been doing on a project I said would take 15 to 20 years and was interrupted, and a degree of relief, because many days passed with notes back and forth and dismissals that did not occur," he expressed, unburdening himself. (DAS)