South American-Arab Summit adopts declaration
South American and Arab leaders have pledged unity after a landmark meeting in Brazil. Dozens of leaders agreed that free trade must be harnessed to benefit the world's poor, and urged Israel to abandon occupied territories. The inaugural meeting aims to focus two far-flung regions for a single voice on political and economic issues.

A declaration adopted by the leaders from 12 South American and 22 Arab countries commits to building closer political and economic ties.

On the economic front, the declaration states interaction between South American and Arab nations aims to reduce inequalities between developed and developing countries.

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva said the aim is to change a world order where the rich keep getting richer, and the poor keep getting poorer.

The declaration criticizes current trade rules as widening the gap between rich and poor countries, and calls for fair rules that help the poor. It emphasizes the need for eliminating distortions in the world trade system, particularly in agriculture.

On the political front, delegates staked out several positions at odds with U.S. policy.

The declaration denounces US sanctions against Syria, and supports moves to give developing countries more clout on the international stage. It also demands Israel disband settlements and retreat to its borders before the 1967 Middle East War.