Brasilia, July 15 (PL) The 18th social summit of the Common Market of the South (Mercosur) today started discussions with the participation of about 200 representatives of popular movements from Argentina, Paraguay, Venezuela, Bolivia, Uruguay and Brazil.

The event, opened last night at the International Convention Center of Brazil, is a forum for dialogue between governments and civil society, in which the delegates adopt measures and make recommendations to the leaders of these nations, which will meet next Friday in this capital.

Under the slogan "Advancing in Mercosur with more integration, more rights and more participation," the meeting includes discussions on current issues related to the populations comprising this block.

Citizenship status, social participation, migration, education, communication, new information technologies, youth, human rights, women and labor are, among others, issues to be discussed in committees at the Center of conventions in Brasilia.

The role of social movements in this process of integration, minority rights, the effects of the global crisis on the economies of members and greater participation of society countries are also topics to be analyzed at this event which will run until tomorrow, said a spokesman for this meeting.

The nearly 200 delegates will adopt a final declaration, which will be delivered at the summit of Mercosur heads of state in order the claims made by the subregional partnership populations are taken into account.

The social meeting takes place in the middle of progress in the process of adhesion of Bolivia as a full member of Mercosur and the negotiation of a free trade agreement between the bloc and the European Union.

In addition to this meeting, for the next two days Brasilia will also host a film showcase with works from the block, which include the exhibition of films from Venezuela, Argentina, Paraguay, Bolivia, Uruguay and the host country.