Brasília – The Embassy of Peru in Brazil confirmed on Monday (7), to the Brazilian Foreign Office (Itamaraty) that the 3rd Summit of South American-Arab Countries (Aspa), in Lima, scheduled to take place on the 12th of this month has been rescheduled to April 20. Brazilian advisors were informed of the decision due to the crisis that is affecting part of the Muslim world. This is a precautionary measure, taken at the request of the Arab political leaders.
President Dilma Rousseff had confirmed participation in the event on the 15th and 16th of February. Initially, she was scheduled to address those present in two situations – at a meeting with businessmen and then at a meeting with South American and Arab political leaders. However, the postponing of the summit may change part of the programme.
In total, representatives of 33 countries were scheduled to participate in the Aspa. Of the 22 Arab nations that participate in the summit, six are living political turmoil, including Egypt, Jordan, Lebanon, Palestine, Syria and Yemen. Due to this turmoil, the political leaders of the region called for the organizers of the Aspa to postpone the event.
Up to the postponing of the summit, the negotiators planned to disclose, after the meetings, a joint statement in defence of the democratic environment and the well-being of populations. The call for establishment of the Palestinian state would also be highlighted with support to defence autonomy in the region. The measure was an answer to the political crisis in Egypt and in the other countries.
Since late last year, there has been a series of talks geared towards the Aspa, including political questions in the Arab world. In the list of properties are concerns with the effects of elevated food prices, lack of water in the Arab nations and problems generated due to desertification.
For the time being, the organizers of the Aspa maintain the guidance for Dilma to play a prominent part in the event, addressing those present at two moments. The tone of the addresses should focus on the need to align economic and social development. Following the example of Brazil, foreigners want to increase quality of life of the poorest people by putting in place punctual actions, like the income transfer social programmes.
*Translated by Mark Ament
