Guayaquil (Ecuador), 26 (Agência Brasil - ABr) - Upon his arrival for the II South American Summit, president Fernando Henrique Cardoso declared that integration is essential if regional economies are to be strengthened and inequality reduced. South American union, according to Cardoso, is even more important today because of world economic instability, especially in developed nations following the 9/11 attacks.

"The only path for us is integration. Financial problems are everywhere in the continent, especially after September 11," said Cardoso. (AB)