Panama Hosts OAS General Assembly
The Thirty-Seventh Regular Session of the General Assembly of the Organization of American States (OAS) began in Panama City, Panama, on Sunday, with the participation of representatives from over 30 countries, while different social movements started a parallel summit.

The Acropolis security operation, which involves more than 1,500 police agents and other Panamanian military bodies to watch the development of the meeting, began several days ago.

Though the three-day event will be focusing on Energy for Sustainable Development," in recognition of the fundamental importance of energy resources for the future of the nations of the region, participants will also discuss regional topics.

As for the energy issue, the general secretary of the United People's movement for Our America, Javier Viquez, rejected the proposal on the use of ethanol as fuel, saying that it will only cause more problems for the poorest countries.

In response to the criticism, the secretary general of OAS, Jose Miguel Insulza, said that though is important to find new energy sources, it is also necessary to boost its efficient use.

The meeting opening ceremony took place at 7:00 pm local time, on Sunday, at the National Theater of Panama.

During the following two days, the ministers will meet at the ATLAPA Convention Center, where they will have the opportunity to discuss and make decisions on a number of priority issues on the inter-American agenda.