Awwal 02, 1432 H/Feb 05, 2011, SPA -- The developments in the Middle East may force postponement of a summit of Latin American and Arab leaders, AP quoted Peru's President Alan Garcia as saying Saturday. Garcia told reporters that the Arab League is likely to say Monday whether the meeting in Peru's capital, Lima, should be set back. It is currently set for Feb. 13-16. Garcia said he had been speaking with Arab League Secretary-General Amr Moussa about a new date, possibly around March 26. He said he was sure it would happen this year, but «in an atmosphere of greater responsibility and tranquility» in the Middle East. Leaders of 22 Arab countries and 12 South American nations are scheduled to attend the summit, the third such gathering of leaders from the two regions. The idea is to increase what have been very modest commercial relations. Peru has been sprucing up its capital of Lima in preparation, including painting its vaunted National Museum.
