Brasília, February 20, 2004 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - The vice-president of the Brazilian National Conference of Bishops (CNBB), Don Antônio Celso Queirós, deplored the accusations of corruption involving ex-Presidential advisor, Waldomiro Diniz. But he affirmed that this isn't the most serious problem Brazil has to resolve. "I think that this is a minor episode in light of the whole range of problems the country faces, in which the fate of 180 million inhabitants is at stake. What is most regrettable is the series of scandals arising everywhere, in the Judiciary, in the Legislature, in high circles, in the business world."

In a collective interview with the press, yesterday (19), Don Queirós said that any leader runs the risk of being taken unawares by a subordinate's illegal acts. He was referring to the connection between Diniz and the Presidential chief of staff, Minister José Dirceu. "But he is only guilty if he does nothing to prevent the crime," he observed.

BIOSECURITY

The bishops also expressed their concern over the Biosecurity Law, which is before the Senate, especially with respect to the cultivation of transgenics. "Our producers will become subject to patents. This can eliminate the possibility of domestic growth for our farmers," affirmed CNBB president Don Geraldo Majella.

The bishops criticized the record profits obtained by banks in 2003. According to a CNBB manifesto, financial capital has become the most important factor for the country's development. (DAS)