NATO summit opens in Chicago, stresses Afghan security

, May 20: A key

summit, gathering more than 50 world leaders, opened in Chicago on Sunday with a minute's silence in the memory of all those who have fallen in combat around the world. Led by NATO chief Anders Fogh Rasmussen and US President

, the summit leaders stood and bowed their heads as a US bugler in uniform played "Taps." Rasmussen, while opening the two-day talks, said: "Our deepest sympathies go to the families and loved ones of all those who made sacrifices."

Addressing the themes of the summit, Rasmussen vowed to complete the transition to Afghan security by 2014. He also stressed the need to embrace "a renewed culture of cooperation" vowing that "together we will make our partnerships deeper, broader and stronger." Obama said that "for over 65 years, our alliance has been the bedrock of our common security, our freedom and our prosperity." He added: "And though the times may have changed, the fundamental reason for our alliance has not. In both good and bad times, our alliance has endured. In fact, it has thrived."

Meanwhile, far from the waterfront convention centre where the summit is being held, thousands of protesters gathered demanding an end to costly and destructive wars.

AFP