Peru

APEC seeks actions to "restore confidence," maintain growth

Lima  - The 21 leaders of the Asia-Pacific Economic- Cooperation (APEC) forum meeting Saturday in Lima focused on the need to restore confidence and contain the long-term impact that the global financial crisis is having on the region.

Leaders including US President George W Bush, Chinese leader Hu Jintao and Russian President Dmitry Medvedev issued a statement after the start of their two-day meeting.

The document repeated large portions of the G20 declaration issued last week in Washington, where nine APEC members took part.

Leaders in Lima noted that they discussed "the actions APEC members are taking, individually and collectively, to restore confidence" and to keep the region "on a path of long-term growth."

APEC leaders launch annual meeting behind closed doors

Lima  - The annual Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum was formally opened Saturday in Lima.

Peruvian President Alan Garcia made brief remarks to praise the "vision" of APEC's founders to anticipate the "economic fate" of the world.

Then he asked reporters to leave the room as the leaders of the organization's 21 economies, sitting at a round table, went about discussing behind closed doors the current economic and financial crisis, among other issues.

The meeting took place in the so-called "Pentagonito," the small Pentagon, as the Peruvian Army Headquarters in the San Borja district of Lima are known locally.

APEC leaders launch annual meeting behind closed doors

APEC leaders launch annual meeting behind closed doorsLima - The annual Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum was formally opened Saturday in Lima.

Peruvian President Alan Garcia made brief remarks to praise the "vision" of APEC's founders to anticipate the "economic fate" of the world.

Then he asked reporters to leave the room as the leaders of the organization's 21 economies, sitting at a round table, went about discussing behind closed doors the current economic and financial crisis, among other issues.

Canadian leader makes unqualified defence of free markets

Canadian leader makes unqualified defence of free markets Lima  - Canadian Prime Minister Stephen Harper made a staunch, unqualified defence of free trace Saturday in Lima, as he adressed business leaders ahead of the annual Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum.

"Now is a time to open doors, not to erect walls," Harper said.

Bush makes call to support developing world despite crisis

Bush makes call to support developing world despite crisisLima  - US President George W Bush said Saturday in Lima that the governments of industrialized nations "have to keep their promises to the developing world," even in time of crisis.

Speaking to business leaders ahead of the 16th annual Leaders' Meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum in Peru, Bush - set to leave the White House in January after eight years in office - noted that the benefits of free trade "are beyond doubt."

No question on Bradman in Oz citizenship test: Rudd

Australian Prime Minister Kevin RuddLima (Peru), Nov. 22: Australian Prime Minister Kevin Rudd has said that the current test for the granting of Australian citizenship, does not have a question on or about cricketing legend Sir Donals Bradman.

He also confirmed that his government is to change the Howard Government's citizenship test after a review of the exam headed by retired diplomat Dick Woolcott.

Prospective Australian citizens will not be tested on cricketing legend Don Bradman but his story will be part of non-examinable material contained in the test resource booklet, Rudd said.

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