MIAMI, Fla. (Jan. 20, 2005) — Academics, policy makers and military commanders from throughout the Americas will convene to discuss relationships between governance and security in the Western Hemisphere in themes as varied as international criminal gangs and free trade negotiations.

The conference will look at issues such as how trade negotiating blocs can be a help in security cooperation, or the direct link between development and preservation of democracy. The panels and keynote speakers include Gen. Bantz Craddock, commander of the U.S. Southern Command; Esteban Tomic, Chilean Ambassador to the Organization of American States (OAS); Jorge Mario Eastman, Colombian vice minister of defense; and officials from agencies and organizations such as the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), the Pan American Health Organization, the U.S. Department of Homeland Security and Transparency International.

“The Americas in the 21st Century:  The Challenge of Governance and Security” will take place from Feb. 1-3 at the hotel InterContinental West Miami, 2505 NW 87th Ave. The conference opens with a reception between 6 p.m. and 8 p.m. on Wednesday. Feb. 1. The panels start the following day at 8 a.m. The conference is sponsored by Florida International University's Latin American and Caribbean Center (LACC), the U.S. Army War College and the U.S Southern Command.

“Many of the problems facing our region, and the world in general, require a multi-disciplinary approach,” said Eduardo Gamarra, LACC's director. “Governance and security are themes that are deeply intertwined and require the analysis of experts ranging from military strategists, to economists and political scientists.”

Registration for the conference is $350 and includes the reception, luncheons and panel sessions. The cost for members of the media is $150. To register or for questions about the conference please contact Liesl Picard, LACC's assistant director for outreach, at 305-348-2894 or via e-mail at picardl@fiu.edu
   

For media inquiries contact Jose D. Parra at 305-348-2716 or via e-mail at parraj@fiu.edu

The agenda and registration form can be downloaded by clicking on http://lacc.fiu.edu/events_outreach/AWC_06/invitation.pdf

Members of the media can e-mail or fax their registration form to Jose D. Parra. The fax number is 305-348-3333.