Brazil's Lula Inaugurated

VOA News 01 Jan 2003, 22:25 UTC

Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva has been sworn in as Brazil's first elected leftist president.

President da Silva was inaugurated Wednesday in Brasilia, pledging to fight hunger, create jobs and unite the countries of South America for common goals.

In his inaugural speech to Congress, the 57-year-old president cited his own childhood struggle against poverty. Choking back tears, he vowed to ease the burden of 50 million Brazilians still living in poverty, but said it will take time to keep that promise.

Mr. da Silva blamed the policies of his predecessor, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, for the economic problems plaguing the nation of 170-million people. The new government faces the challenges of rising inflation and a $260 billion debt.

President da Silva delivered his inaugural speech before scores of invited guests, who included Cuban President Fidel Castro, Venezuela's Hugo Chavez and Eduardo Duhalde of Argentina. The United States sent a delegation led by Trade Representative Robert Zoellick.

Mr. da Silva traveled to his inauguration in a Rolls-Royce convertible as thousands of Brazilians massed in the streets chanted his name and waved flags. Giant television screens were also set up along the city's main avenue in order for the crowds to view the festivities.

Some information for this report provided by AP and AFP.