São Paulo, April 15, 2004 (Agência Brasil) - Participating in the opening of the 18th São Paulo International Book Biennial today, President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said that the country's cultural policy will be strengthened and the need for reading will be disseminated in his government. Lula recalled in his talk that 52% of Brazilian elementary school children are unable to interpret the texts they read. "We, as leaders, must strive for the taste for reading to be acquired in elementary school. It is a matter of education," Lula said.

Regarded as the world's third largest literary event in terms of volume, the São Paulo Biennial offers 150 thousand titles, of which nearly 2 thousand are making their debut. In all, 320 national and foreign exhibitors are participating in the Biennial.

The 18th São Paulo International Book Biennial will run through April 25.

Translator: David Silberstein