Nelson Motta
Reporter - Agência Brasil

Brasília - President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva sent a message of support to Carlos Mesa, who was confirmed in his post as President of Bolivia by the Bolivian Congress on Tuesday (8). In the note Lula says that Mesa's confirmation as President occurred in a democratic manner, which gives Brazil full confidence in its relations with the neighboring country.

Lula also congratulates the Bolivian people and reiterates "the certainty that Brazil will be Bolivia's partner in quest of our mutual aspirations on behalf of South American integration, the development and prosperity of our countries, and the well-being of our nations, with social inclusion, peace, and democracy."

The Bolivian National Assembly unanimously refused to accept the renunciation request submitted by Mesa on Sunday (6).

Lula's message to Mesa was delivered in La Paz by the Brazilian Ambassador to Bolivia, Antonino Lisboa Mena Gonçalves.

Translation: David Silberstein