UNASUR FOR DEVELOPMENT-ORIENTED USE OF NATURAL RESOURCES

Caracas, May 15 (PL)- Secretary General of the Union of South American Nations (UNASUR), Alí Rodríguez, said that the regional bloc will discuss alternatives leading to development based on the best economic and social use of natural resources.

In remarks to journalists, Rodriguez said that would be the objective of the Conference on Natural Resources and Comprehensive Development, scheduled to be held in Caracas on May 27-30, attended by experts from UNASUR member countries.

There is potential here that makes unjustifiable to have 134 million of poor people today for a population of 441 million inhabitants and we still have poverty, malnutrition and high infant mortality, he said.

According to the regional bloc, under the surface of 17 million of square km occupied by UNASUR member countries, there is 20 percent of world proven oil reserves, as well as significant mineral reserves (lithium, silver, copper, tin, iron, and bauxite, among others.

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