22 Mar 2019 | 06:11 AM UTC
Chile: Inaugural PROSUR summit in Santiago March 22
Heads of state from several South American countries will attend the inaugural PROSUR summit in Santiago on March 22; heightened security measures and protests expected
Event
The inaugural summit of the Forum for the Development and Progress of Latin America (PROSUR) regional group will be held in Santiago on Friday, March 22. Heads of state from Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay, and Peru will participate in the meeting, which will start at 10:00 (local time) around La Moneda (the presidential palace). Heightened security measures and road closures have been announced around the venue until 13:00. Chilean activists have called for protests to denounce the participation of Brazilian President Jair Bolsonaro in the forum. A demonstration is planned to start at 18:30 in Paseo Bulnes and other associated protests are possible throughout Santiago. Localized traffic disruptions are anticipated around all demonstrations.
Context
PROSUR was created to replace the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR) and is modeled off the Pacific Alliance (made up of Chile, Mexico, Peru, and Colombia). According to regional leaders, PROSUR is intended to improve cooperation and reduce bureaucracy between the member states.
Advice
Individuals in Santiago are advised to monitor the situation, anticipate a heightened security presence, road closures, and other transportation disruptions, and adhere to instructions issued by local authorities.
