President Hipolito Mejia travels to Monterrey, Mexico on Monday to take part in the Special Summit of the Americas on the 12 and 13 of this month. With attendees such as United States President George Bush expected, the gathering will unite representatives of 34 member nations of the OAS (Organization of American States). The heads of state will explore solutions and develop a shared vision for the region in economic, social and political issues. President Mejia, who will be traveling with what is described as a “reduced delegation”, is due back in the country on Tuesday evening.
Stephen Johnson, of the US-based Heritage Foundation, says the purpose of the summit is to welcome the dozen recently elected heads of state in the hemisphere and discuss ways out of the economic slump affecting the entire region. He says that according to US summit planners, instead of joining the usual chorus of leaders recommending more loans and development assistance, President Bush will urge neighboring countries to solve financial woes through greater liberalization and market competition. Johnson points out that by contrast, back in Washington, the US Congress is poised to do just the opposite, as it debates a new bill that would double US loans and developmental spending in Latin America.
http://www.heritage.org/Research/LatinAmerica/wm387.cfm