Friction forecast at EU-Latin America summit

0 Comments | AFP, May, 2008

LIMA (AFP) — Lingering disputes and personality clashes were expected to add friction to a Latin America-European Union summit in Peru Friday that is aimed at addressing climate change and poverty.

Leaders from 50 Latin American and European nations have converged on Lima for the summit, which will address in particular the recent spike in world food prices that has generated violence in several countries.

Preparations for the talks were overshadowed by rows, most of them involving South America's 'enfant terrible,' Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez, who has ruffled feathers both within Latin America and across the Atlantic.

Foremost is his longstanding hostility with the president of neighboring Colombia, Alvaro Uribe.

Their often belligerent...