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05/09/2005:

"Middle East issues tread on Latin American stage"

BRASILIA, Brazil (Reuters) - The Israeli-Palestinian conflict took to the Latin American stage on Monday on the eve of an unprecedented summit in Brazil between Arab and South American nations.

But Arab nations were also looking for solidarity over the Palestinian cause, terrorism and other political issues.

``We should not have two-faced policies in areas where we see crises cropping up. Topping this list is the need of the Palestinian people,'' said Algerian presidential adviser Abdel Aziz Bel Khadem, speaking for the Arab nations.

``There is a lack of respect for the international rights of people to determine their own fate and there's a need for us to continue to reject occupation.''

The summit brings together leaders from 12 South American and 22 Arab nations, the first time that such an event has been held.

It was proposed by Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva after his visit to the Middle East in 2003 and forms part of Brazil's drive to forge a role as a regional diplomatic power and leader of the developing world.

US, ISRAELI CONCERNS

The inevitable political aspects have already caused Israel and the United States concern. A draft of the final declaration contained passages supporting the right of people to resist occupation, a sign of support for the Palestinians in their struggle against Israel.

And while condemning terrorism, it also calls for a global conference to define the meaning of terrorist. Washington and the Israelis believe this could offer support to anti-Israeli militant groups such as Hezbollah, whom they deem terrorists.

The final declaration was unlikely to be changed, a Brazilian diplomat told Reuters.

The pre-summit politicking was also marked by Brazil turning down an informal request by the United States to send an observer. Amorim said they could watch it on television.
Full:nytimes.com