A planned summit of South American and Arab leaders may be postponed due to the instability in the Arab world amid ongoing protests in Egypt, Peruvian President Alan Garcia said Saturday, dpa reported.
He said his government was awaiting word from the Arab League on the status of the summit. Foreign ministers are scheduled to gather February 14 in Lima and heads of state on February 16.
"We are awaiting the decision of the Arab governments, understanding the instability and severity of the problems in their region, which cause reservations about leaving the area," Garcia said.
A decision by the group of 22 Arab countries was expected Monday. Earlier, six of the 22 country's leaders had confirmed their participation with the Peruvian Exterior Ministry.
Garcia said he would do everything possible to hold the meeting as scheduled unless he hears otherwise from the Arab League.
"The Arab League has hinted at other possible dates for the summit, like March 26, when we hope there will be an atmosphere of more stability and tranquility in the region," he added.