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CEO of Brazil oil firm Petrobras to remain in function in the meantime, sources say

Petrobras President Jean Paul Prates will stay in his role in the meantime as pressure to eliminate him from Brazil's staterun oil business has relieved, 2 sources acquainted with the scenario informed on Wednesday.

Word that Prates will stay on in the meantime follows days of intense speculation that he might be changed by Aloizio Mercadante, the president advancement bank BNDES. People near to the matter had actually stated Prates' period was unlikely to last the week.

Prates has been under fire from parts of Brazil's governing union that wish to see him lower fuel prices and ramp up job-creating financial investments.

With Prates staying on and the government in requirement of extra funds, it is now most likely that Petrobras' board will approve the circulation of 50% of the additional dividends kept about a. month earlier, said among the sources.

Petrobras is set to have a shareholders conference on April 25,. where the release of dividends could be put to a vote.

Petrobras shares rose 2% in Sao Paulo to their highest. closing price considering that the firestorm over the withheld dividends.

A former senator with longstanding ties to President Luiz. Inacio Lula da Silva, Prates got a show of support from his. former coworkers in the chamber to stay on, a third source. stated.

Energy Minister Alexandre Silveira, who was especially singing. in his criticism of Prates, on Tuesday struck a conciliatory. tone, telling reporters that he appreciates the Petrobras CEO and. any choice about the matter will be made by Lula himself.

Prates is still awaiting a conference with Lula, after last. week's speculation, but he sees no rush to meet now, according. to among the sources.

(source: Reuters)