In a context that imposes a search for more alliances on the Latin American left, the central theme of the Summit will be the commitment to Latin American and Caribbean unity, as well as the need to strengthen it within diversity
Cuba’s Foreign Ministry shared an excerpt from the Summit’s Final Declaration on Twitter: We reiterate our willingness to continue promoting the construction of a new international order, democratic, fair, inclusive and equitable, in which sovereign equality between states is the norm.
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega noted that U.S. interventionist policies toward Venezuela, Bolivia, and Cuba are criminal acts against humanity.
In particular, he mentioned the intensification of the economic, commercial, and financial blockade of Cuba, despite the many resolutions approved by the vast majority of members of the United Nations General Assembly demanding its elimination.
He said that the celebration of this Summit on the 14th anniversary of ALBA-TCP reaffirms the value of solidarity throughout the years of struggle for justice and peace.
He insisted that the Nicaraguan people “have the strength and dignity to overcome the sanctions they face, despite the threats. We are sure that the Venezuelan and Cuban revolutions will remain undefeated in this difficult conjuncture, with the accompaniment of the peoples of ALBA-TCP and the world.”He concluded paying tribute to Fidel and Chávez, “to those two great gladiators of peace and justice.”
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel adjourns the meeting.
A gala event is scheduled this evening to commemorate the 14th anniversary of ALBA’s founding.
Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega Saavedra is the final leader to address the Summit this afternoon.
Speaking next was José Luis Merino, El Salvador’s deputy minister of Foreign Affairs, who said that ALBA has been the most vigorous, energetic alliance seen in the region over the last 14 years.
“Without the ALBA, our people would be facing a huge social battle, in which thousands of Latin American patriots would be dying.
“We are living amidst U.S. attacks meant to prevent the Salvadoran people from advancing.”
David Choquehuanca Céspedes, ALBA-TCP secretary, speaks, saying, “At heart all human beings are integrationists.
“That is what we must awaken in ALBA member countries, communal energy to defend our sovereignty, our dignity, and our identity, necessary to strengthen our joint work.
“We need to bring light to international spaces, express our ideas and proposals, work on the rights of Mother Earth, on the protection of the environment.
“We need to activate mechanisms of our alliance, strengthen missions and social exchange, consolidate the Economic Council, designate the country that will coordinate this mechanism, work on a new financial architecture, build new economic thinking, work on a meeting of intellectuals, of communication ministers.
“Work on mechanisms of cooperation, ALBA has served as a cooperation mechanism with Russia, China, Iran, and Turkey. There is interest on the part of governments to work with ALBA. Social movements are also interested in working with us.
“We must become the spirit of integration of the peoples of the world,” he insisted.
A representative from St. Kitts and Nieves and Suriname’s ambassador in Cuba, Marciano Edgar, addressed the Summit.
Chet Greene, Antigua and Barbuda’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, International Trade and Immigration, took the floor, sharing remarks from the country’s Prime Minister, Gaston Browne, who expressed gratitude to ALBA, President Maduro and Venezuela, and noted that many of the integration objectives formulated in the Managua declaration have been met.
The issue of protecting our sovereignty and self-determination remains relevant today, he said, adding that all countries of the region are being besieged and threatened with economic terrorism.
Grenada’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Peter David, spoke and expressed his solidarity with Venezuela.
“Grenada will always appreciate the support it has received from the people and government of Cuba.”
(Granma)