Politics
Rather than talking about neighbors' internal affairs, Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva dares to compare his management with that of some counterparts in the region, no matter the differences.

For him, there are not "secrets to explain the success" of Brazil over the past few years.

In an exclusive interview with El Universal Lula, who paid his seventh official visit to Venezuela on October 29-30, talked, among others, about the progress made in Brazil and his concern about the Venezuelan-Brazilian trade unbalance.

On the controversial use of Colombian military bases by US troopers, the president hopes that "via dialogue, existing disagreements will be overcome."

Mr. President, how could Brazil attain an admirable development in 10-year term? Is reference made to the Brazilian miracle or Lula's miracle? What is the formula?
As a matter of fact, we have lately harvested good news; but this has nothing to do with miracles. It is the result of Brazilians' hard work throughout the last decades. We consolidated democracy; vanquished inflation; resumed growth, and are building a modern society, fairer and fairer for all citizens.

What is your view of Brazil-Latin America relations? How to bolster these economies considering existing differences: a trade bloc like Mercosur, where there are doubts about Venezuela's entry; a feeble Andean Community of Nations and a fairly political ALBA which views the United States as its major foe?
South America and regional integration are a priority in my government foreign policy, and we have strengthened these ties with the region in several fronts. Also, never before political dialogue was so close. This is shown by the progress made in bilateral relations and the schemes such as my regular meetings with President (Hugo) Chávez. In addition, they help strengthen our ties; our desire to consolidate the Union of South American Nations (Unasur). As for Venezuela's entry into Mercosur, we always advocated it and will continue advocating it. Our position is clear in this regard.

What is the difference between the socialism heralded by you and the socialism championed by Hugo Chávez? Is the 21st Century Socialism offered by him sustainable?
I think that each country has its own way, based on its own history and built institutions. I can say for sure, though, that both Chávez and I, even in countries with different realities, are very committed to the poorer, those who really need the State support to work on a better future. Since I took office, I sought to govern for everybody, but with a focus on the poorer. In doing so, I suffered many attacks. We can be organized and strong in the region only if there is a policy for all citizens, not only for the privileged or those with more lobbying power.

Are elections the only way to attest to the democratic nature of a government? In the Venezuelan case, a TV channel was shut down; many journalists have been assailed; broadcast concessions of more than one hundred radio stations were removed, and now there are political prisoners.
I am not to delve into Venezuela's internal affairs. Whenever I listen to criticism of other South American models, I would say that as President of the Republic, I should not meddle into the inner affairs of foreign countries. The ways toward democratic consolidation are set by political and social forces in each country. And I think that conflicting ideas and involvement of the society form part of such process and help institutions mature. As for relations with the mass media, I can speak of Brazil. In my country, the media enjoy total freedom. I have been toughly criticized by most of the Brazilian press, many times unfairly, in my opinion. However, this does not change at all my conviction that freedom of the press is essential. Nevertheless, any media which fail to respect the people and distort the facts, sooner or later lose credibility.

There is unbalance on behalf of Brazil in the trade exchange with Venezuela. Which proposals are you bringing for President Chávez in this visit? How are the talks for the Abreu e Lima Refinery?
The huge unbalance on behalf of Brazil in the trade exchange with Venezuela is a matter of concern. We must correct it. Brazil wants and should import more from Venezuela. Talks between Petrobras and Pdvsa are going smoothly. The import of Venezuelan oil for the Abreu e Lima Refinery will help offset the trade of balance, yet we could do some more. Businesspersons of both countries have hold meetings to identify projects which will increase and balance our exchange. Venezuela is, like Brazil, a beautiful country. We would like to promote tourism of all Brazilians –particularly of the residents of Roraima and Amazonas states- to the gorgeous Venezuelan beaches.

Translated by Conchita Delgado

Frank López Ballesteros
EL UNIVERSAL