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              Protesters Clash With Police as APEC Summit Wraps Up

   Police used water cannons to disrupt protesters Thursday in Manila,
   where Asia-Pacific leaders are wrapping up a summit focused on economic
   issues, territorial disputes and global efforts to combat terrorism.

   The protesters, from a left-wing group, were trying to break a police
   barricade and gain closer access to the Asia Pacific Economic
   Cooperation Summit, which is hosting world leaders including U.S.
   President Barack Obama.

   There were no reports of injuries during the clashes, which occurred
   about one kilometer from the convention center where the two-day APEC
   conference ends Thursday.

   Leaders condemn terrorism

   According to a draft of a final statement, APEC leaders agreed to
   "strongly condemn" all acts of terrorism, which they said "threaten the
   fundamental values that underpin our free and open economies."

   "We stress the urgent need for increased international cooperation and
   solidarity in the fight against terrorism," the draft statement said.

   Terrorism became a greater emphasis at the summit following last week's
   series of gun and bomb attacks in Paris, which were claimed by the
   Islamic State extremist group and killed 129 people.

   Economic and trade

   The summit also focused on economic and trade concerns, including the
   Trans-Pacific Partnership free trade agreement, which still must be
   ratified by member nations.

   Philippines President Benigno Aquino, who is hosting the summit, said
   at a session Thursday that economic growth is a priority for the
   region.

   "Growth that creates jobs, sends children to school, puts food on the
   table, raises standards of living, protects the environment, fosters
   creativity and innovation, and levels the playing field," Aquino said.

   ''

   Maritime disputes

   The issue of China's territorial disputes with its neighbors has been
   another main focus of the summit. Obama has used the gathering to
   pledge expanded support for nations that have competing claims with
   Beijing.

   "My visit here underscores our shared commitment to the security of the
   waters of this region and to the freedom of navigation," said Obama
   Tuesday.

   The White House announced a package of up to $259 million in new aid
   over the course of two years, including $79 million for the
   Philippines, $40 million for Vietnam, $21 million for Indonesia and
   $2.5 million for Malaysia.

   Obama and many other leaders who were at the APEC summit will travel
   later this week to Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia to take part in the annual
   summit meeting of the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).
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References

   1. http://www.voanews.com/content/protesters-clash-with-police-as-apec-summit-wraps-up/3064684.html