The Chilean government Thursday proposed changing the South American Community of Nations (CSN) into a free-trade zone by 2010.

The proposal was made at a meeting of CSN foreign ministers. It stressed free trade will spur and deepen regional integration.

Santiago also called for tariff reduction in the region, arguing that a dramatic cut within a free trade agreement of South America will boost trade in the area.

The foreign ministers met here on Thursday to draft a final declaration which will be presented to leaders of CSN members at the first summit of the bloc on Friday.

Peruvian Foreign Minister Oscar Maurtua said at the meeting the South American integration is an irreversible and imperative process.

The CSN was formed on Dec. 8, 2004, in the Peruvian city of Cuzco. It groups Argentina, Bolivia, Brazil, Colombia, Chile, Guayana, Ecuador, Peru, Paraguay, Surinam, Uruguay and Venezuela.

The CSN's establishment was considered as an important step toward South American integration.

Source: Xinhua