Rio, March 23, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - Passengers who intend to travel abroad may face delays in the port and international airport of Rio this afternoon. The Federal Police decided to adhere to the national Strike Command's decision to resume the application of Operation Rigorous Inspection, which was carried out until last Wednesday (17), when it was suspended.

The rigorous inspection includes checking the documents and baggage of all arriving and departing passengers in the country. Normally this service is conducted by random selection. The police agents intend to radicalize the movement even further, extending the operation to domestic flights.

They are demanding compliance with law 9266/1996, which entitles them to higher salaries. They have been on strike for 15 days.

Translator: David Silberstein