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EU-LAC Summit Peru: Zapatero in facility for Andean countries interested in accord with EU

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(LIP-do) -- It's reasonable that the Andean countries more willing to sign a commercial agreement with Europe are given more ease in trying to reach said objective, affirmed today the president of the Spanish government, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, while meeting with President Alan Garcia in the Government Palace.

He said that Spain wished that this accord become concrete beforehand and have a dialogue about it with all the Andean presidents; finally "seducing and convincing" so that they have the same attitude before the agreement comes to being.

Zapatero stated that the ideal situation would be that the pact is signed in a united matter, bloc by bloc, and should evaluate "steps" so that the countries most influenced by the topic receive more access in the negotiations.

"Of course we're ready to analyze an evaluate, although the main task is at the hands of the European Commission, that which could be steps can give those countries most involved the ease they need to sign the agreement; it seems reasonable to me, though what's desired is that the group of the Andean Community (CAN) make a decision and from there I'll try to convince all the Andean countries," said the Spanish President.

In a declaration to journalists, Zapatero won't disregard the possibility of meeting tomorrow with the president of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez, so long as its a respectful and collaborative meeting.

Finally, he asked the international community that FARC free ex-candidate Ingrid Betancurt and all those kidnapped in Colombia.


News Source: Andina

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EU-LAC Summit Peru: Hundreds of residents of Breña enjoyed international cuisines

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(LIP-do) -- Hundreds of residents of the district of Breña in Lima were able to enjoy diverse dishes today thanks to an international gastronomy festival organized by the municipality of the district and in mark of the V European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean (EU-LAC) Summit occurring this week in the capital city.

During the activities, children and their parents, couples and senior citizens went around the close to 30 stands--installed in the early hours at the Plaza de Armas--and savored free foods, beverages and desserts originating from different nations.

The varied dishes were prepared by students and masters of 30 schools in Breña, who also offered information on the history of each country which they were symbolically representing. Among them included Germany, Portugal, Italy, Chile, France, Peru and more.

Peru represented its cuisine by exhibiting dishes such as cebiche, arroz con pollo, papa a la huancaína, causa rellena de pollo and rocoto relleno; beverages served were chicha de jora and Pisco Sour.

"What we're looking for with this festival is that the residents of Breña learn a bit more about the other countries participating in the summit and show them the importance of the international meeting which is being hosted by our country," commented the Mayor of Breña, José Gordillo.

Later in the evening (19:00 hours), a special concert will take place in which traditional dances from the participating countries of the summit will be displayed. Singer Pepe Vásquez will be representing Peru.

News Source: Andina

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EU-LAC Summit Peru: European Union asks Latin America to improve legal security to increase investments

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(LIP-do) -- The Commissioner of Exterior Relations of the European Union, Benita Ferrero Waldner, affirmed today that Latin American countries should establish the legal marks necessary to improve the levels of corporate security necessary for foreign investments to increase.

She indicated that the European Union is the principal emission of foreign investment directed at the Latin American and Caribbean region, along with being the second major social commerce.

"The European Union is (for Latin America) an investor and also a first-level commerce associate," she emphasized during the participation of the Second European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean Business Summit.

She stated that the private sector and foreign investments are two ways to reach technological development.

"This is why I insist in the necessity to create corporate marks which offer adequate levels of openness and cooperate security because it's a factor in, I'm sure, contributing a better climate of investments of regional relations," she remarked.

In this regard, she specified that the Association Accord which the European Union and the Andean Community (CAN) negotiated, which will serve to build an adequate mark to improve political and economic relations between both blocs.

"I also suppose our support decided the regional integration of Latin America because we know that translates into a bonanza," stated Ferrero Waldner.

She also said that the European regional integration had many benefits among its participants, such as the increase in five points in the productivity of each country.

However, she recognized that social cohesion is one of the principal challenges of Latin America and the Caribbean, since they are known as some of "least egalitarian regions in the world": the economic development in both countries hasn't reached the people who need it most.

"Social cohesion isn't simply an ethical question or one of economic efficiency but an expression of a social contract based in solidarity and humanism, with basic values shared by both regions."

In regards to this, she pointed out that the European Union is the principal supplier in international cooperation for the development of the region thanks to the 2,600 millions of euros the union is ready to dispose over the next five years.


News Source: Andina

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EU-LAC Summit Peru: Spain hopes for political compromise between EU and Latin America

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(LIP-do) -- Miguel Angel Moratinos, Chancellor of Spain, asked today that the V Summit of Heads of the State and Governments of the European Union and Latin America and the Caribbean (EU-LAC) concentrate on a "road map" so that European nations can close commercial agreement negotiations with the diverse blocs of Latin America, among them, the Andean community (CAN).

"I think that it is an appeal that can be obtained in Lima and I'm sure that it will; that this political compromise of more than 60 countries can definitively close, be it with the CAN, Central America or the Southern Market of Latin America, and also begin it with the Caribbean," he stated.

He affirmed that the principle objective of the summit in Lima is that "a definitive political route is established" so that when the next summit takes place in a few years, it won't be necessary to conclude this topic.

In a conference from the International Press Center, the Spanish Chancellor sustained that in comparison with the previous summit held in Vienna two years ago, this time, Lima has a more specific agenda to advance bilateral themes, such as the elaboration of public politics in the fight against poverty.

Moratinos also stated that regarding the theme of drugs, the agenda includes a "very particular debate" about the necessity to include actions against narcotic drug trafficking.

"What's missing is the push to discuss these regional topics. This afternoon I'm going to bring up said themes during the integration panel."

He recognized that there have been advances with Central America and the European Union, and also with CAN.

On his part, he reinstated that the main objective of the summit is to find a definitive political road map and that the way to reach it was through commercial means.

At the moment, Peru and Colombia have demonstrated the will to sign the agreement, while Ecuador and Bolivia expressed some resistance.


News Source: Andina

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EU-LAC Summit Peru: Fight against poverty will involve topic of problematic immigration

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(LIP-do) -- Benita Ferrero Waldner, Commissioner of Exterior Relations of the European Union, stated today that we can't discuss the topics of social cohesion and the fight against poverty, without touching the theme of immigration.

"We need equal political measures that on one side, promote regular immigration, and from another, regulate underground immigration," stated the commissioner.

She emphatically referred to the actions which should be approached in a unified way from both regions in order to act on the affects of climate changes, the use of natural resources, water and forests.

Ferrero- Waldner stated that for the European Union, the theme of climate changes is a priority because it is related to poverty and the most vulnerable populations. It has a great impact on the economies.

"We should be conscious of what is occurring. It's important to approach the topic from a social perspective. Let us remember that climate changes don't have boundaries and demand attention," she stated.

She reminded the press that during 2002-2007, the EU had invested more than 377 millions of euros in Latin America and the Caribbean, which annually meant 72 million euros a year.

The commissioner stated that the EU will propose a plan of action regarding the environment and fight against climate changes in Latin America. The plan is called "Euroclima" and it will strengthen dialogue between the regions concerning this specific topic.

This initiative is a strategy from the Global Alliance against climate problems, which supports the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean in order to face these environmental changes.

News Source: Andina

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Peru wants to strengthen economic ties with Europe

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(LIP-do) -- The country's stability has led to a sustainable future and increased legal certainty which will attract inward investment and encourage re-investment, said today the president of the National Confederation of Private Business Association (Confiep), Jaime Cáceres Sayán.

“The "trust factor" has been decisive in Peru’s economic development process”, said Cáceres Sayán in his speech during the opening ceremony of the Second European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean Business Summit which the theme of is “Investment to Achieve Well-being, Sustainable Development and Inclusion”.

In addition, he mentioned that Peru wants to continue deepening economic ties and aligning common interests with the European Union.

"The LAC region shows promising economic growth, we all know that LAC has become one of the regions with the highest economic growth since early 21st century” said Cáceres Sayán.

Additionally, he pointed out that Peru’s increased productivity and the use of modern technology has placed the country in a dynamic position to face the challenges of international competition in many sectors.

The 2nd EU-LAC Business Summit is held at Lima's National Museum under tight security measures.


News Source: Andina

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Peru: Businessmen of Gamarra look for alliances with participants of EU-LAC Business Summit

(LIP-do) -- The President of Coordination of Businesses in Gamarra, Diógenes Alva, confirmed today that the micro businesses of this commercial emporium are looking to meet with the representatives of the businesses participating in the Second EU-LAC Business Forum in order to reach strategic alliances in the future.

"It's a great opportunity. Gamarra is known not only for the strength of its businesses but also for the quality in its products, those of which have generated interest from big investors. Because of this, we hope to have positive results in meetings with the international businesses," said Alva.

He added that the commercial emporium will soon present a written presentation, which will be distributed to the businesses meeting the venue located at the Museo de Arte de Lima."

"We hope that international journalists that have come to cover the summit also visit Gamarra and diffuse the work we're doing here. Finally, we hope that people worldwide get to know the effort being put forth by Peruvian businesses."

He stated that some Gamarra businesses already export their products, but its important that more partake in this global event and enter the European market.

"This is a product of economic results which Peru has obtained in the last few years, which have been accomplished thanks to the government of Alan Garcia. It has allowed more people to integrate into the exporting chain."

The President of Coordination of Businesses in Gamarra concluded by expressing his trust in the positive results and benefits that Peru will receive thanks to the international summit. "The themes being analyzed during this event are of great importance to this country. This summit and APEC 2008 are fundamental in establishing Peru as a country with great economic potential."

News Source: Andina

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Vega Llona: Peru doesn't want to leave Bolivia out of agreement with EU

(LIP-do) -- Ricardo Vega Llona, said this morning that Peru never had the intention to take Bolivia out of an eventual agreement with the European Union. However, he made it clear that it was Bolivia who didn't want to participate.

"Definitively, it's not that it wasn't our idea to leave Bolivia out. We're associates of CAN. Bolivia doesn't want to take part in the agreement. And so I ask, should that limit Peruvians?"

He said that a similar situation occurs when a child in a family doesn't want to attend college. "The parents aren't going to sacrifice the rest of the children who have decided to continue their studies," he emphasized.

"It's not fair. Peru has made a tremendous sacrifice to better the situation in which it finds itself today. Remember the economic reforms which were done in an improvisational manner, so we have to understand that Peru has a long way to go," he stated.

He confirmed that Peruvians "can't stay seated" and wait for a country that it loves very much, like Bolivia, to make a decision as to whether or not they're going to enter negotiations with the European Union.

"Here is a theme of different speeds. Bolivia probably doesn't want to enter agreements today but maybe they'll do so in a few years."

News Source: Andina

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Peruvian President trusts that Peru will sign a FTA with Mexico

(LIP-do) -- The President of the Republic, Alan Garcia, said that during his meeting today with the President of Mexico, Felipe Calderón, he hopes that the country will overcome the "absurd limitations" that impede that Peru have a Free Trade Agreement (FTA) with said country.

"And we'll firmly continue the enormous task to have a treaty with China, an extraordinary economy which I'm sure will be a great motivator not only for Peru but for all of Latin America," said Garcia.

During the inaugural session of the II EU-LAC Business Forum, he indicated that a country with stability like Peru needs to open itself to investments without "restrictions, problems and without fears".

"However, to attract investors we need to open our global markets for Peru and that's what we're doing with the FTA with the United States. We'll continue to do so at the end of this month with Canada and Singapore," confirmed the President.

This way, the President stated that development is the fundamental basis that the economy can lend to democracy.

"A democracy of poverty, a democracy distributing scarce resources, a democracy of a miserable administration isn't socialism, it's simply misery and scarce resources."

He also mentioned that in order for a democracy to exist in a country, the requirements include the development of an economy and that is what Peru is striving for when it reached the increase of 8.99 percent in its annual production in 2007.

"Today there is also a 6 percent increase in formal employment and private investments are reaching levels never seen before in our country."

He added that the growing economy is allowing Lima to increase it's urban areas and its consumer market. Heconcluded by saying that the country's rapidly developing economy is much greater than the government had thought it.

News Source: Andina

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Peru: Lima Declaration to set concrete goals on climate change

(LIP-do) -- Peruvian minister of Foreign Affairs, José Antonio García Belaunde, said today that the Lima Declaration will set “concrete goals” on climate change and just “priorities” for tackling global poverty in the years ahead.
García Belaunde explained it was possible to set concrete goals on climate change, which affects mainly Latin America, in terms of carbon dioxide emission reduction and an effective use of funding earmarked for certain programs.

However, he said it was hard to agree on shared common goals in the fight against poverty because for some countries these could be too high or too low.

In the last two days, representatives from 27 European countries and 33 Latin American governments attending the V EU-LAC Summit finalized the Lima Declaration which is to be signed tomorrow by the Heads of State and Government from both continents.

News Source: Andina

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