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Summit of the Americas
Western hemisphere leaders ratify their agreement after two days of violent clashes between riot police and thousands of anti-globalisation demonstrators.
23 April 2001
Leaders of 34 nations from across the Americas sign a declaration to set up the world's largest free trade zone by 2005, which will involve only those countries with democratic governments.
22 April 2001
Midway through their summit in Quebec City, Western hemisphere leaders agree that only democratic countries will be allowed to join the world's most ambitious free trade pact.
21 April 2001
The official opening of the pan-American summit in Quebec is delayed, as riot police and anti-globalisation protesters fight into the early hours of the morning. Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien blamed the violence on what he called a small group of extremists.
20 April 2001
Violent clashes involving police and demonstrators take place outside the Summit of the Americas. Anti-globalisation protesters tear down a wire perimeter fence surrounding the venue where American leaders met to discuss free trade.
20 April 2001
President Bush renews calls for the creation of the largest free trade area in the world, extending from Alaska to Chile. He says it will benefit all American countries and the 800 million people living there.
19 April 2001
Canadian police mount their biggest ever security operation. A two-and-a-half mile security fence surrounds the area to keep out protesters. Ahead of the summit, a number of arrests were made and weapons confiscated.
1998 Summit
Trade was also the main issue at the last Summit of the Americas in Chile three years ago but there was little progress. The summit also saw the leaders reject Cuba's application to join and sign an agreement to co-operate in the war on drugs.
 US President George W Bush with the leaders of Canada (centre) and Mexico (left) |
Leaders of 34 nations from across the Americas sign a declaration to set up the world's largest free trade zone by 2005, which will involve only those countries with democratic governments.
 The protesters argue that free trade hurts the poor |
Midway through their summit in Quebec City, Western hemisphere leaders agree that only democratic countries will be allowed to join the world's most ambitious free trade pact.
 Canadian riot police in a cloud of tear gas |
The official opening of the pan-American summit in Quebec is delayed, as riot police and anti-globalisation protesters fight into the early hours of the morning. Canadian Prime Minister Jean Chretien blamed the violence on what he called a small group of extremists.
 Protesters challenge riot police on the site of the summit |
Violent clashes involving police and demonstrators take place outside the Summit of the Americas. Anti-globalisation protesters tear down a wire perimeter fence surrounding the venue where American leaders met to discuss free trade.
 President Bush makes his statement |
President Bush renews calls for the creation of the largest free trade area in the world, extending from Alaska to Chile. He says it will benefit all American countries and the 800 million people living there.
 Protests began before most leaders had arrived |
Canadian police mount their biggest ever security operation. A two-and-a-half mile security fence surrounds the area to keep out protesters. Ahead of the summit, a number of arrests were made and weapons confiscated.
 Little progress on free trade for President Clinton at the last summit |
Trade was also the main issue at the last Summit of the Americas in Chile three years ago but there was little progress. The summit also saw the leaders reject Cuba's application to join and sign an agreement to co-operate in the war on drugs.
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