During a summit to be held Tuesday in Puerto Ordaz, the capital city of southern Bolívar state, the rulers of Venezuela, Hugo Chávez; Brazil, Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva; Colombia, Álvaro Uribe Vélez, and Spain, José Luis Rodríguez Zapatero, will discuss a political and trade agenda toward a Latin-American alliance, Foreign Vice-Minister for Europe Delcy Rodríguez reported.

As explained by the Vice-Minister, security in the hemisphere will be discussed, with an emphasis on social issues. "We think that stability relies on fighting poverty. Therefore, we will study the exchange of debt for food and education proposed by Rodríguez Zapatero, and Lula's Zero Hunger plan," the official added.
 
Also, the rulers are expected to express their positions regarding the United Nations and world power concentration poles. "This meeting is part of the efforts to draw a new multiple-pole world map," Rodríguez said. Fight against terrorism, drug traffic and organized crime will be also included in the debate.
 
The heads of state and government will execute a declaration on the meeting findings and will meet with the media.
 
Additional agreements
On Tuesday night, Chávez will host in Caracas a dinner for his Spanish counterpart, who will start an official visit on Wednesday, including a special session in the National Assembly. Also, Rodríguez Zapatero will meet with representatives of the Venezuelan opposition.

Translated by Conchita Delgado