White House Ceremony Honors New Brazil Chief

WASHINGTON In a ceremony tinged with reminders of the bombingoutrage in Oklahoma City, President Clinton lavished praise onBrazil's President Fernando Henrique Cardoso and said his reformprogram ensured a bright future for Brazilians.

With Cardoso standing at his side, Clinton said, "Brazil ispoised to take its rightful place as a shining example for all theAmericas and all the world."

The ceremony Thursday on the White House South Lawn, repletewith military honors, went smoothly despite the strain on officialsfrom Wednesday's bombing. Clinton restated his commitment to punishthe perpetrators.

Cardoso expressed his deep sorrow over the "barbaric act" inOklahoma City.

This was only the second state visit by a Brazilian president in24 years, a reflection of the often acrimonious ties between thehemisphere's two largest countries.

With the consolidation of democracy in Brazil, Cardoso wasenthusiastic about future prospects in the relationship.

"This new country is a natural partner of the U.S. The time isripe for the design of a new affirmative agenda that will bring ourtwo countries even closer together," he said at a news conference.

Brazil has often been best known here for unsound fiscalpolicies or human rights violations committed by dictatorial regimes.Cardoso himself was forced into exile a generation ago by one ofthose regimes because of his pro-democracy activities.

Compared to many past Brazilian leaders, Cardoso is seen as awelcome relief, and the warmth of the relationship was stressed byboth presidents.

"With our two nations cooperating as never before, we stand at amoment of unparalleled opportunity," Clinton said. "We must nowseize it, and we will seize it."

As finance minister last year, Cardoso's policies helped defeatinflation, long a nemesis in Brazil. During their meeting, Cardosoexplained to Clinton his proposals to improve the foreign investmentclimate in Brazil and to implement other reforms.

The United States has singled out Brazil, with a youngpopulation of 160 million and a $500 billion gross domestic product,as one of the world's top emerging markets.

U.S. investment in Brazil totals about $40 billion, but existinglaws that give preference to Brazilian companies hinder growth inthat sector. Clinton noted that a June meeting will be held todiscuss increased trade and investment between the two countries.Cardoso displeased U.S. officials last month by raising tariffs onsome imports.

Clinton said Cardoso's proposed reforms "are essential toplacing Brazil on the path of sustainable development."