Mexico: World Leaders call for a stronger United Nations and greater multilateral decision-making by The Age 11:15am 30th May, 2004   Guadalajara, Mexico.May 30, 2004    European and Latin American leaders at a summit in Mexico have condemned the abuse of Iraqi prisoners by US soldiers and called for greater multilateral decision-making in world affairs.    "We firmly condemn all forms of abuse, torture and other cruel, inhuman and degrading treatment of persons, including prisoners of war, wherever they occur," said a final declaration adopted by 58 leaders from the European Union, Latin America and the Caribbean.    Without mentioning the United States' superpower role, the leaders called for a stronger United Nations and more international dialogue. In a veiled criticism of US difficulties in Iraq, French President Jacques Chirac said: "Security problems that raise the use of force have become global and should be dealt with in a multilateral framework in order to be handled legitimately. "One only has to see the threat that failed states pose to international stability, or the impasses that unilateral action lead to, to become convinced."    The summit is the first since the EU grew from 15 to 25 nations. Prime ministers Tony Blair of Britain and Silvio Berlusconi of Italy - two of US President George Bush's staunchest European allies - were absent. The EU is looking to increase trade with Latin America, with which the US is seeking to forge a Free Trade Area of the Americas, stretching from Canada to Chile.    Outside the summit, about 3000 people, including union members and farmers, held a protest to demand fair trade rules and measures to combat poverty..    At the summit, several leaders echoed Mr Chirac's call for multilateralism. Spain's Prime Minister, Jose Luis Rodriguez Zapatero, called for the meeting to concentrate on "fundamental themes" such as UN reform, human rights and the fight against terrorism and crime. Mr Zapatero said that through the summit, "more than 1 billion people are taking part in a unique and historic process aiming to establish a more just, responsible world, living in peace".    Prime Minister Bertie Ahern of Ireland, the current holder of the EU presidency, said: "I hold the firm view that an effective multilateral system, supported by strong international institutions and having the UN at its centre, is essential for the welfare of mankind."    Host President Vicente Fox of Mexico said Europe, Latin America and the Caribbean should have a stronger role in the UN, pointing out their combined countries represented one-third of the seats in the UN's General Assembly. "They have a predominant role to play in the establishment of a new international order," Mr Fox said.    - AFP
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