Mon Nov 6, 7:59 PM ET
President Michelle Bachelet opened an international gathering of socialist leaders in the Chilean capital on Monday by urging them to take advantage of the "reality" of globalization instead of fighting it.
"Let's admit it, comrades, modernity and globalization are not an imperialist invention," Bachelet told the conference of the Socialist International, an umbrella organization for socialist parties from around the world. "They are realities and it is up to us to turn them into opportunities."
Bachelet, who took office in March as Chile's first female president, leads a moderate-left, market-friendly government backed by a left-leaning and centrist coalition that includes her Socialist Party.
"Our rival is not economic modernity," Bachelet told the gathering. "Our rivals are the forces that oppose social progress and seek an accumulation of wealth that excludes many."
Also addressing the nearly 300 delegates from 100 countries was Costa Rican President Oscar Arias, who described what he called "my three quixotic ideas" — protection of the environment, debt forgiveness for poor countries and curbing arms traffic.
"The time has come for us to sign peace with the environment and the planet," the Nobel Peace Prize winner said.
Delegates planned to focus on governance, energy and global climate change during the two-day gathering.
http://news.yahoo.com/s/ap/20061107/ap_on_re_la_am_ca/chile_socialists