places and people.

international | anti-capitalism | other press

Monday November 22, 2004 11:39

by iosaf

this last weekend saw almost all South and Central American leaders meet

for their annual ibero-american conference, the President of Spain Zapatero accompanied by Don JuanCarlos Bourbó de Bourbon (like a bourbon) the King of Spain discussed Zapatero's idea of an "alliance of civilisations" which would shape future relations between the continent and those who varyingly trade with it, invest in it, and exploit it.

The plan has been met with much enthusiasm not least from the popular "leftist" regimes.

Meanwhile, President Bush put on a poncho and while hundreds of thousands of anti-globalisation protesters were attacked with water cannon, tear gas and the whole array of modern policing, joined with other world leaders including the prime minister of Japan.

Mr Bush's first words in spanish to the Asian Pacific forum were "sit down!" which he followed with a "thank you" when the audience had directly obeyed.

One leader of South America, the popular Chavez was not present at the Ibero-American conference due to the terrorist killing of the atorney general of Venezuela last week. He arrived in Spain to be fêted by immigrants, supporters and those in solidarity at Madrid airport yesterday.

His first act upon visiting Spain was to pay homage at the memorial to the victims of the March 11th 2004 terrorist attacks.
http://www.la-opinion.com/secciones/noticia.jsp?pIdNoticia=23289&pIdSeccion=6

Today Mr Bush travels to Colombia.

Today Mr Chavez will be speaking more of his firm support for the new foreign policy direction of the Spanish State in regards to the nations of South and Central America who's populations make up the vast majority of 400,000,000+ native speakers of "Español", a lasting sign of the importance of the relationship with the Iberian peninsula which one might think has even caused a member of the Bush family to find the time to learn it.

http://www.2001.com.ve/20041122/titular3.asp

http://www.eldiariomontanes.es/pg041122/prensa/noticias/Nacional/200411/22/DMO-NAC-066.html