Central American leaders discuss EU trade

Central American leaders discuss EU trade Leaders from Central American nations started a summit meeting in Panama Tuesday to discuss how they can improve ties with the European Union and eventually reach a free trade accord, a report in the Miami Herald said.
   The report said the talks would zero in on integrating customs and immigration systems, and on completing changes in the Central American Court of Justice and the Central American Parliament.
   After preliminary meetings in May between officials from Central America and the EU, the parties announced they hoped to launch formal trade agreement talks before the end of this year.
   Commenting on that goal, Panamanian President Martin Torrijos told other leaders Tuesday: 'It is now up to us from now on the very actively prepare ourselves as a solid group for the next negotiations.'