Brasília - Yesterday, in a speech to the Economic and Social Development Council, president Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva said he intends to continue governing the country normally, using the same economic policies in spite of the crisis. Lula then went on to say that he would not do what some former Brazilian presidents had done. He cited "drastic decisions" made by Getulio Vargas, who committed suicide in 1954; Janio Quadros, who resigned in 1961; and Joao Goulart, who had to flee the country when he was overthrown by a military uprising in 1964.

Lula declared that what he intends to do is what Juscelino Kubstichek (president from 1956 to1961) did. "Like Kubstichek, I will be patient, patient, patient," said Lula. As for the crisis, he said that he was "certain the truth will become known, the people will know what really happened and exactly who was or was not corrupt."

Lula concluded his remarks by saying that he was sure Brazil would come out of the crisis a better country. "What I cannot guarantee is that we will put an end to corruption because corruption is a disease deeply embedded in some people."

Translator: Allen Bennett