Portuguese President congratulates Lula

Portuguese President Marcelo Rebelo de Sousa on Monday congratulated the newly elected Brazilian President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva on the smoothness of the recent elections in Brazil.

Rebelo de Sousa said he hopes for a smooth transition of power in line with the "democratic" and "civic spirit" that has marked the electoral process.

The comments followed a meeting with the East Timor President Jose Ramos Horta, who is on an official state visit to Portugal. Ramos Horta also welcomed Lula's win and praised the new leadership as of special importance in the current times.