Ibero-American summit to discuss economic issues

The Ibero-American summit to be held here on Friday and Saturday will address the economic and social development of the countries in the region, Paraguayan Foreign Minister Jorge Lara said on Thursday. He said the summit comes at a juncture which demands "a rethinking of the fundamental role that the states have to perform." Leaders are also expected to analyze some emergent issues, such as "globalization and regional integration processes," said the official. The summit is an annual meeting of the leaders of 22 member countries of the Iberoamerican Community of Nations. The summit will be guarded by 4,000 troops and police officers, according to a spokesman of the Paraguayan Armed Forces.