Bolivia starts planning G77+China summit

Bolivian President Evo Morales met with top central and local officials Wednesday to begin coordinating plans to host the G77+China summit in the eastern city of Santa Cruz on June 14-15. "We must make a survey of what we have and what is lacking. That is going to be coordinated with the regional and local governments," Morales said at a press conference following the meeting. "It will be a gathering of five continents in Santa Cruz, and that calls for greater commitment, greater responsibility, so that the event must turn out very well," said the president. Bolivia this year took over the rotating presidency of the G77+China, a bloc of developing nations within the United Nations system that has grown to include 133 countries, which also marks the 50th anniversary. "Our great hope is that from Santa Cruz, Bolivia, there emerges a document for the lives of those who inhabit planet earth," said Morales, adding that the bloc seeks to eradicate poverty and injustice. The president said that in coming days, officials will review the existing infrastructure, security services and logistics in Santa Cruz to determine how much investment is needed to assure a successful summit. The most urgent requirements for now are the hotels and plane hangars needed to accommodate the visiting dignitaries and delegations, he said.