But some leaders made their reservations clear. Venezuelan President Hugo Chavez said few of the goals set out at the first Summit of the Americas, in Miami in 1994, have been met. Today, there is more poverty than yesterday.
Today there are more children in the street than yesterday.
Nearby, police protected by helmets and shields kept protesters at bay with volleys of tear gas that sent a burning mist to greet leaders including US President George W. Bush as they arrived for the opening ceremonies. Those ceremonies were delayed an hour after demonstrators tore down a section of the concrete blocks and chain-link fence that barricaded the heart of Quebec City, where the summit is being held. Protesters hurled rocks, bottles, hockey sticks, stuffed animals and part of the destroyed fence at police. Officers formed a line to protect the perimeter and advanced on protesters banging their shields with truncheons to beat out a menacing rhythm. From the crowd of more than 1,000, protesters responded with wails from a bagpipe and drum rolls.