IMF team to meet Brazil's Lula

A team from the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has begun a visit to Brazil for talks with the left-wing president-elect, Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva, and his transitional team.

The aim of the trip is to assess current economic conditions prior to releasing the next instalment of a loan to Brazil.

In August, the IMF agreed a $30 billion rescue package - its biggest ever.

However, most of the money is not due to be handed over until after the new government takes office in January.

Payment depends on the administration sticking to strict conditions set by the IMF.

During campaigning, the president-elect agreed to abide by the IMF deal - though in the past he has criticised the lending organisation and called for a moratorium on Brazil's debt repayments.

From the newsroom of the BBC World Service