It continues to rain accusations and denials in BrasÀ­lia. Yesterday, during a hearing at the Chamber of Deputies Ethics Council, deputy Roberto Jefferson (PTB-Rio de Janeiro) made a new accusation.

He denounced that adman Marcos Valério went to Portugal for talks with the communications company, Portugal Telecom, regarding financial support for the PT and the PTB.

According to Jefferson, the then-presidential Chief of Staff, José Dirceu, was involved in the negotiations.

Today Valério confirmed the trip to Portugal but denied it was to raise funds for Brazilian political parties.

He says the objective of his trip was to discuss a publicity contract his advertising agency had with a Brazilian company, Telemig Celular, that was being sold to Portugal Telecom.

However, Valério admitted that he had a travel companion: Emerson Palmieri, the treasurer of the PTB. He explained his presence by saying he was a friend and “just went along for the ride.”

ABr