CZECH REPUBLIC, May 15, 2009— The member countries of the Latin American Rio Group (GRIO) will demand from the European Union (EU) greater commitment in the face of the global economic crisis. The news came during the beginning of intra-regional contacts here between senior officials of the Group and the Union, who for two days will be gathering in preparation of the meeting at ministerial level on Wednesday. Diplomatic sources consulted by PL pointed in particular to the position of Nicaragua, which holds the pro tempore chair of the Central American Integration System (SICA) and is asking for a European attitude that’s supportive of expanded investment. Nicaragua is looking to lead the construction program of a railroad linking Mexico to Central America that could be implemented through loans from Latin American financial institutions. Mexico, which will be represented at this 14th EU/GRIO Ministerial Meeting by its secretary of Foreign Affairs Patricia Espinosa, is expected to have a leading role in the discussions. Although the issue of the Influenza A (H1N1) is not on the agenda of the event, scheduled to end on Friday, it is likely to come up given the widespread concerns about the potential pandemic. Cuba, which joined the Rio Group in November 2008, is for the first time taking part in its full capacity, to the satisfaction of its Latin American peers and many other nations in Europe as well.(Cubaminrex- Granma)
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