Officials say new Latin America regional organization likely to emerge from Mexico summit

New Latin America group likely to emerge at summit

PLAYA DEL CARMEN, Mexico — Latin American foreign ministers say their nations are close to forming a new regional organization that would not include the U.S. or Canada.

Representatives of 32 countries are gathering on Mexico’s Caribbean coast for the Unity Summit of Latin America and the Caribbean starting Monday.

Ecuadorean Foreign Minister Ricardo Patino said Sunday the new group has yet to be named, but is envisioned as the premier political forum for Latin American nations. It would be launched next year.

Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez has urged the region to create a counterweight to what he calls excessive U.S. influence. The Organization of America States, headquartered in Washington, has many of the same member countries.