Number: RS21700
Title: Special Summit of the Americas--Monterrey, Mexico, January 2004: Background and Objectives
Authors: Clare M. Ribando, Foreign Affairs, Defense, and Trade Division 
Abstract: The Special Summit of the Americas to be held in Monterrey, Mexico in January 2004 will be the first meeting of all democratic heads of state from Latin America, the United States and Canada since the Quebec Summit in April 2001. At the Monterrey Summit, leaders may reflect upon broad issues affecting countries in the hemisphere, such as terrorism, corruption, and free trade. Their stated purpose, however, is to renew their commitments to implementing the Quebec City Summit Declaration and Plan of Action, a detailed document outlining 245 initiatives under three broad themes: (1) Strengthening Democracy; (2) Creating Prosperity; and (3) Realizing Human Potential. Rather than adopting numerous new initiatives, U.S. officials support a limited summit agenda focused on developing solutions to a few key problems that are common among countries in the Western Hemisphere. This report will be updated to include the results and implications of the Monterrey Summit.
Pages: 6
Date: Updated January 5, 2004