Brazil's presidential palace reopens after renovation

Brazil's presidential palace on Wednesday received back President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva and his staff, upon completion of a costly structural renovation lasting a year and a half.

The building by the name of "Palacio do Planalto," one of the characteristic monuments in the capital city of Brasilia designed by architect Oscar Niemeyer, was refurbished with new electrical and plumbing facilities, had several spaces recast and the furniture restored.

This was the first renovation of the presidential palace since it was opened in 1960.

More than 400 desks were recovered or restored, including two used by former president and founder of the Brazilian capital Juscelino Kubitschek, said Claudio Soares Rocha, executive secretary of Planalto's curator.

By decision of Lula, the two historical desks will not be used, becoming part of decoration on the third floor of the building, where the presidential office is located.

The conference room where the president receives foreign visitors was transferred from the side to the front of the building, and had bullet-proof glasses.

Soares Rocha said those imported pieces of furniture were replaced by national ones to enhance domestic production.

The structural renovation cost about 64 million U.S. dollars.

Source:Xinhua