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.

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.

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.

Lima  - 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."

Lima (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.

Lima  - United States President George W Bush arrived in Peru Friday afternoon for the annual meeting of the Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) forum amid tight security, but timid protests.

The president's Air Force One landed at a military base near Lima's international airport, where he was met by Peruvian Defence Minister Antero Flores Araoz.

The APEC forum is to be Bush's last international summit as US president, before he hands over power to president-elect Barack Obama in January.