News In Brief

Direct vote for presidents way laid in Brazil debate

The military regime of Gen. Joao Figueiredo withdrew its proposal Thursday to reinstate direct presidential elections in 1988, leaving Brazil without a date for the promised return of the popular vote.

Debate in Congress Wednesday centered on the opposition's desire to alter General Figueiredo's proposal to allow free presidential elections in November - a move the government strongly resists. In a message to Congress, Figueiredo said he was ''not able to permit'' the alteration of his proposal and said he found the attitude of the opposition a ''deep disappointment.''