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Chile hosts Ibero-American Summit

Chilean President Michelle Bachelet on Thursday opened a gathering of leaders from Latin America, Spain and Portugal with a call for renewed efforts to fight poverty.

Bachelet called on the 22 participating governments to increase concern for social issues and poverty while much of the region is experiencing economic growth.

"This a moment to face the new challenge of our region, the postponed challenge of reaching a social pact," Bachelet said, inaugurating the Ibero-American Summit.

Also speaking at the ceremony, UN Secretary General Ban Ki-moon said "social cohesion is essential to face the challenge of climate change."

Summit leaders will sign a region-wide social security accord that would allow migrant workers in Latin America, Spain and Portugal the transfer of social security benefits between their nations, a measure that would benefit nearly 6 million workers, according to Chilean Foreign Minister Alejandro Foxley.

Foxley also said the participating countries will work over the next year on a series of measures to ensure full respect of the rights of migrants.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez was to arrive early yesterday despite protests at home against the constitutional reforms proposed by his government.

Scuffles broke out in Santiago when Ivan Moreira, a right-wing Chilean legislator, arrived at the Venezuelan embassy with a letter saying he opposed Chavez' visit. He was met by a group of Chavez' supporters led by socialist Senator Alejandro Navarro.

Police quickly broke up the altercation.

Presidents attending the summit are expected to condemn terrorism and call for an end to the US embargo against Cuba.

The presidents of Mexico and the Dominican Republic were not attending the summit in order to direct recovery efforts after flooding in Mexico's Tabasco state and the destruction wrought by Tropical Storm Noel.
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