Leaders of more than 30 Latin American and Caribbean nations meet at an historic event in the Riviera Maya, this week, to launch a bloc that will serve as an alternative to the Organization of American States.

Representatives of 32 countries, including about two dozen presidents and prime ministers, are at the two-day summit to create a new regional organization that excludes the United States and Canada.

Leaders of the "Rio Group" of Latin American countries have met almost every year since 1986 when the group was created by Brazil, Argentina, Mexico, Colombia, Venezuela and others.

"It is time for Latin Americans and Caribbeans to unite," Mexican President Felipe Calderon, the summit host, said today, at the event in the Riviera Maya near Playa del Carmen.

It is hoped that the new organization will promote integration and shared economic development among Latin America and Caribbean nations. It also aspires to give the region a stronger voice in international affairs.

President of Haiti, Rene Preval, is also using the summit to thank the world for helping after the earthquake on Jan. 12 and to ask for continuing assistance.