Through next Sunday the 18th, peace will be the principal focus of debate in three consecutive meetings: first that of high-level officials, then that of foreign ministers, and finally a gathering of heads of state and government.

For the fourth time, Latin America is hosting the event and Venezuela is the third country from the region to assume the presidency, with Cuba holding this responsibility twice (1979 & 2006), and Colombia once (1995).

The naming of Venezuela as NAM President is an unprecedented event in regional diplomacy and a blow to international right wing attempts to isolate the country, which simultaneously holds leadership positions in other regional organizations, Mercosur and Unasur.

(Granma)