ACCESSION OF THE PRESIDENT OF BRAZIL

Early day motion 464, tabled 7 January 2003 by Harry Barnes (Labour). Signed by 56 members.

That this House warmly congratulates Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva of the Workers' Party on his accession as President of Brazil; notes that his main priority, which should be supported by the international community, is to end hunger in Brazil and that his life's mission will be achieved if every Brazilian is able to eat three square meals a day at the end of his term of office; recognises that, in the words of the new President, Brazil is one of those countries which has "been left at the mercy of speculators, who often don't even know where our countries are situated geographically"; calls upon international financial organisations and private traders to respect the President's mandate and not to undermine the Brazilian economy through harsh conditions on loans and through speculation; and wishes the President and his administration the best of luck in transforming the prospects of Brazil and its people.

Signatures by party: Labour 42, Liberal Democrat 6, Labour/Co-operative 5, Plaid Cymru 2, UUP 1.