The Brazilian President, Fernando Henrique Cardoso, has appointed the first minister of his new government.

Celso Lafer, currently Brazil's representative at the World Trade Organisation, takes charge of the newly-created Development Ministry.

Mr Cardoso, who will be sworn in for a second four-year term on January 1st, is due to announce the rest of his cabinet later today .

Many current members are expected to keep their posts, but correspondents say Mr Cardoso has to award positions carefully so as not to upset political parties who backed him in the election.