11/3: Lula's Comments to Euro press [Folha OnLine 11/3/06 ]

03/11/2006 - da Folha Online

Lula will seek a special relationship with the USA, but broaden Brazil's connections in a globalized world

12h37 Brasil buscará "relação privilegiada" com EUA e "novos espaços", diz Lula

Brazil will seek to develop a "privileged relationship" with the USA, which it considers a "strategic" partner, but will also try to "open new spaces" in the globalized world, said Brazilian President Luis Igacio Lual da Silva.

"We can't be dependent on just one or two foreign economies. We must think about countries closer at hand, about our similarities with other nations in South America, and about how we can help each other, said Lula, in a joint interview with EU papers 'El Pais/Spain, La Reppublica/Italy, and LeFigaro/France.

For President Lula, Brazil wants a 'very significant international role' and wants an agreement between Mercosul and the EU. "Despite these objectives being difficult, we'll find a reasonable solution, because Brazil and Europe share common strategic interests," he explained.

Lula said he's "convinced" that Brazil's current foreign policy is on the right course, citing its trade surplus of U.S. $ 46 billion in the year since Nov. 2005.

"It is because we're a wealthy country that preferential agreements with our South American neighbors are important, but we can't grow when there are poor countries around us."

"Brazil doesn't want to lead anything, but does want to be a member of all nations, and wants to work harmoniously so may grow our own continent" he added.

According to the President, it makes no sense" to compare his own administration, which comes from the Left, with that of his Venezuelan colleague, Hugo Chavez. "Each president governs in accord with the political culture of his country," he said.

"Venezuela's relationships with the USA is not like Brazil's. Venezuela's needs are not the same as Brazil's needs," he added. "I believe that Chavez is good for Venezuela. He is the president who in the past 30 years has given the most attention to the poor. Evo Morales is doing the same in defending Bolivia's resources."

"When dealing in Foreign Policy in South America, we have the same thoughts, but when we think of strategic relationships, they may think one thing, and I another," he added.

Lula again criticized the government of former President Fernando Henrique Cardoso (1995-2002.) "Now I no longer need to compare myself with Fernando Henrique Cardoso's policy failure, but rather I'll be competing with myself, which is more difficult."

For Lula, policy reform will involve developing legislation which will permit, among other things, financing of political campaigns using public funds. "I want to carry forward these reforms urgently."

On the scandals which occurred in his first term, Lula said he is proud that his government was characterized by policies which struggled against corruption. "I commented to the Minister of Justice [Marcio Thomaz Bastos] that as they find corrupt groups it is easy to confuse fighting corruption with increases in corruption," said Lula.

"Groups [uncovered by Federal Police] carried on in the country for years, and no one said anything. They preferred to sweep corruption under the carpet, but we brought in light, and shined the light."

Lula said as well that he plans to hold seminars for foreign investors, both Europeans and Americans, to highlight investment opportunities in Brazil. "I am certain Brazil can grow by 5 percent, even by much more."
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