Details for the construction of a petroleum refinery to serve the region will be examined during a new meeting of the Central American Integration System (SICA), which will be hosted by the Dominican Republic this May. Heads of state meeting in Panama yesterday reaffirmed their determination to promote the production and use of “bio-fuel”, especial ethanol, with help from Brazil, according to a report in El Caribe. Other items on the agenda are the completion of Central American customs unification and to explore the possibilities of establishing a free trade agreement with Caricom. The final statement from the Panama summit also emphasizes an Association Agreement with the European Union. The Presidents requested that the Inter-American Development Bank pardon the debts of the poorest nations in the region, especially Nicaragua, and asked the international financial community to hasten disbursements promised to Haiti. A plan to eliminate childhood malnutrition in the region within 10 years was also approved.
During the meeting, SICA member countries also supported a proposal from the Dominican Republic and Panama that urged bilateral and multilateral organizations to expedite disbursements of committed funds for the strengthening of infrastructure and institutions in Haiti.
Attending the summit were the presidents of Costa Rica, Honduras, Nicaragua, Guatemala and the DR (as observer), as well as the host country Panama, and the Vice President of El Salvador. President Fernandez returned to the DR last night on a private flight arriving at San Isidro Air Force Base.