Brasília - In his customary message to Congress at the beginning of the annual legislative session, president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said that the principal objectives of his administration are to get approval for labor, union, political and Judiciary reform bills. In the message, which was read by senator Romeu Tuma (PFL-SP), the president also highlighted the need for jobs and massive investments in infrastructure, along with completing rules for regulatory agencies and a return to growth with economic stability.

Lula called 2003 a year of "sacrifices and construction," when strong action was needed to deal with a serious economic crisis. Even so, it was possible to begin much needed social programs,such as Zero Hunger. Another important achievement was the construction of strong congressional support which made it possible to advance with structural reforms.

The message went on to say that "the Congress played a fundamental role in the changes which occurred," such as Social Security system reform and the statutes for Senior Citizens, Negroes and Disarmament. (AB)