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The Ministers of Foreign Relations of the Rio Group have already drafted a series of proposals for the official declaration to be issued at the end of the 18th Meeting of Heads of State and Government of the Group, which begins today in Rio.
According to the Brazilian Minister of Foreign Relations, Celso Amorim, the proposals must be approved by the Presidents, but the governments uphold the principles of multilateralism to which all countries in the region adhere and affirm the importance of solidifying democracy on a foundation of social justice.
Amorim said that the document underscores the importance of the initiative taken in September at the United Nations General Assembly to launch an international campaign to combat hunger and extreme poverty.
In the document, the governments also address the situation in Haiti.
Amorim disclosed that the encounter among State and government leaders should also advance discussions to create the South American Investment Authority.
The creation of this agency would facilitate the application of resources in infrastructure projects in countries which are constrained by limits in their levels of indebtedness.
Federal Troops
The presence of 18 heads of state from South and Central America, besides Mexico, for the Rio Group summit, has once again brought Federal troops into the city of Rio de Janeiro.
A total of 1,800 men have been stationed at strategic points, from the Antônio Carlos Jobim International Airport to the city's south zone where the delegates are staying. The summit will take place today and tomorrow at the Hotel Sofitel, in Copacabana.
The new military commander of the East, general Sergio Alves Conforto, emphasized that the troops are on a constitutional mission in support of the state government to protect the foreign leaders.
He added that when the leaders have departed there will no longer be any need to keep the soldiers on the streets. The security operation includes aircraft.
Agência Brasil
Translator: David Silberstein
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