MOZAMBIQUE: AIDS drug plant withdrawal not official

Reports that Brazil plans to withdrawn its offer to build an AIDS drug manufacturing plant in Mozambique have been met with surprise.

Mozambican Health Minister Francisco Songane told radio Mozambique he was not aware of any decision by Brazil to renege on its pledge made in November 2003 during a visit by Brazilian President Luis Inacio Lula da Silva.

Da Silva announced plans to build the pharmaceutical plant at the time, and also promised discounted anti-AIDS drugs prior to construction.

"As long as we don't have any official document from the Brazilian authorities, we assume that what we agreed with them last year remains valid", Songane said.

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[This report does not necessarily reflect the views of the United Nations]