Rio - Special Presidential advisor and coordinator of the Zero Hunger Program, Brother Betto, affirmed today that 49 heads of State - including Pope John Paul II - have already signed on to the Brazilian government's suggestion to discuss the creation of an international fund against hunger and for development. The meeting is scheduled for September 23 at United Nations headquarters in New York.

Brother Betto participated this morning in the 1st "Energy Fostering Citizenship" Seminar, with representatives of 80 companies. The special adviser also stated that, despite the difficulties and government bureaucracy, the results of the Zero Hunger Program have exceeded expectations.

Brother Betto recalled that over five million families should receive benefits from the program by the end of this year. The resources, he said, have increased and will come to US$ 5.10 billion (R$ 15 billion) in 2004.

Agência Brasil
Reporter: Nielmar de Oliveira
Translator: David Silberstein
09/02/2004