A group of South American presidents has launched a new regional bloc to replace the Union of South American Nations that was promoted by the late Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez to counter U.S. influence in the region.
The Unasur group was started in 2008 when many of the founding nations were still led by leftists.
But enthusiasm for the group waned, especially under more moderate or conservative successor governments, and eventually the 12 nations suspended their memberships.
Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro waves to reporters as he arrives to La Moneda presidential palace in Santiago, Chile, Friday, March 22, 2019. South American heads of state are meeting in Santiago to discuss the development of a new regional political bloc called Prosur, the idea being to replace the Unasur, the current body that many describe as defunct. (AP PhotoEsteban Felix)
Leaders of the Prosur bloc launched Friday in the Chilean capital of Santiago said it will focus on defending democracy and freedom. It was started by the presidents of: Argentina, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Ecuador, Paraguay and Peru.
Chavez's successor, President Nicolas Maduro, was not invited not the meeting.
Chile's President Sebastian Pinera receives Argentina's President Mauricio Macri at La Moneda, presidential palace in Santiago, Chile, Friday, March 22, 2019. South American heads of state are meeting in Santiago to discuss the development of a new regional political bloc called Prosur, the idea being to replace the Unasur, the current body that many describe as defunct. (AP PhotoEsteban Felix)
Argentina's President Mauricio Macri, left, and Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro, walk arm in arm after posing for an official group photo, outside La Moneda presidential palace in Santiago, Chile, Friday, March 22, 2019. South American heads of state are meeting in Santiago to discuss the development of a new regional political bloc called Prosur, the idea being to replace the Unasur, the current body that many describe as defunct. (AP PhotoEsteban Felix)
Chile's President Sebastian Pinera embraces Brazil's President Jair Bolsonaro upon his arrival to La Moneda presidential palace in Santiago, Chile, Friday, March 22, 2019. South American heads of state are meeting in Santiago to discuss the development of a new regional political bloc called Prosur, the idea being to replace the Unasur, the current body that many describe as defunct. (AP PhotoEsteban Felix)