“200 years after the legendary Battle of Carabobo, Our America continues to bet on integration,” he wrote, and congratulated President Nicolas Maduro, the Venezuelan people and the Bolivarian army for the anniversary of the historic event, which sealed the emancipation of Venezuela. “Cuba shares your passion for the historic project that was forged in the Battle of Carabobo,” he added.

In other messages, the Cuban leader recalled that Cuban blood was shed in Carabobo, and that “there will always be Cuban blood whenever the fate of our Venezuelan brothers and sisters is endangered.”

Cuba was represented at the summit by Minister of Foreign Affairs Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, who stated, “Cuba maintains its commitment to solidarity and international cooperation for the benefit of the region’s peoples, and this will be the case in confronting the pandemic and the provision of vaccines, to the extent of our possibilities.”

He also thanked ALBA-TCP member states for their support to the Cuban resolution against the blockade, recently approved by the United Nations General Assembly.

“Our strong system of science and technological innovation made possible the results that Cuba and ALBA have obtained in the fight against the pandemic. This was accomplished, although Cuba’s capacity to import supplies to guarantee basic medicines was affected (by the blockade),” Rodríguez Parrilla explained, calling for the U.S. to eliminate unilateral coercive measures against ALBA nations and renounce the neoliberal paradigm that has brought so much hadship to the region.

“The will of the sister nations of ALBA to continue advancing cannot be stopped,” he insisted, and reaffirming the Cuban people’s solidarity, he stated that the bloc will always be able to count on us “on the front linea of this battle for life, dignity, peace and justice.”

On the bicentenary of the Battle of Carabobo, and Bolivarian Army Day, an impressive military parade, held at the very site of the battle, served as the preamble to the Summit.

There could not have been a better place for the regional meeting to reaffirm its commitment to move forward in a present full of challenges and threats from the United States, possible only with the unity of our peoples.

(Taken from Granma)

Cuba’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bruno Rodríguez Parrilla, called for the defense of the right to peace and implementation of integrated policies in the region, with human needs as the priority, rather than economic gain or dubious political advantages, during his remarks, March 1, at the XXI Political Council of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), where relations were strengthened and actions defined in response to the challenging health situation.

Rodríguez, also member of the Party Political Bureau, saluted the decision to hold the meeting virtually, and thanked ALBA member states for their expressions of solidarity and support, in the wake of the infamous decision by the outgoing U.S. administration to include Cuba on its illegitimate list of state sponsors of terrorism.

He emphasized that results obtained in different meetings of high-level authorities demonstrate the revitalization of ALBA, precisely at a time when it is necessary to globalize solidarity and cooperation. “During these months, the coordinating work of the ALBA-TCP Executive Secretariat has been praiseworthy, dynamic and effective,” he stated.

Regarding the health and socioeconomic crisis facing the planet, he insisted that the prevailing international order has shown its total inability to respond with a minimum of efficiency and justice, hence the need to implement integrated policies, with human needs prioritized.

He condemned the imposition of unilateral coercive measures against several countries in the Alliance, which undermine the living conditions of our peoples, affect access to health, hinder material possibilities to expand cooperation among our nations and cause serious humanitarian harm. He once again denounced the economic, commercial and financial U.S. blockade of Cuba, which has had a severe impact in the context of the pandemic, the authorization to file lawsuits in U.S. courts under the protection of Title III of the Helms-Burton Act, and financing of subversive actions to promote change and destroy the political, economic and social order that our people have freely chosen and achieved.

He reaffirmed Cuba’s unwavering support and solidarity with Venezuela and Nicaragua, which have courageously resisted the threats and hostile policies of the outgoing U.S. administration, and reiterated Cuba’s willingness to contribute modestly, as our possibilities permit, in the COVID-19 battle.

He reconfirmed Cuba’s support for the right of Caribbean countries to receive fair, special and differentiated treatment, so necessary given the challenges to be faced with respect to climate change, natural disasters, the unfair international financial system and new adversities imposed by the pandemic.

The Cuban Foreign Minister called on the new White House administration to maintain a respectful relationship with our country and with the entire region, abiding by the Proclamation of Latin America and the Caribbean as a Zone of Peace, honoring sovereign equality, non-interference in internal affairs, and adhering consistently to respect for the independence and self-determination of our peoples.

(Taken from Granma)

The vice president of the National Association of Cuban Lawyers told Prensa Latina her concerns about the vertical and little participatory nature of the organization and the format of the Hemispheric Forum of Civil Society and Social Actors, in which she participated in the Peruvian capital.

In the first issue, the expert made it clear that the Cuban civil society delegation will not admit the presence of those she called mercenaries of Cuban origin and related organizations.

She stated that it is unacceptable that in the civil society forum, prior to the presidential event, these elements participate, because they are at the service of subversion and violence against the Cuban people and in favor of the blockade against the island and their presence would threaten the objectives of the forum.

The Cuban expert said that, in addition to leaving principle questions, during her participation, as a spokesperson of Coalicion 26 (group of delegates by subject and similars) ‘For an inclusive and respectful world’, she exposed the report on the consensus criteria presented at that dialogue table.

She also stated the concerns raised regarding the difficulties to carry out a frank and open dialogue on the established issues, that is, governance, corruption problem, sustainable development and cooperation.

(Prensa Latina)

Maduro recalled that the regional organization was born at a historic moment at the beginning of the 21st century, as a space to coordinate strategies in defense of progressive movements worldwide.

Alba emerged at a time when it seemed impossible, seemingly a dream of two greats that were Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro, he stated.

Later the Venezuelan leader noted that the bloc is the result of the convergence of progressive political forces in the region and has proven that it is possible to place human beings at the center of our complex power structures.

“The decade of the 90s could be called the decade of social disaster across the entire continent,” he stated, going on to note that ALBA also gave way to Petrocaribe, an extraordinary and revolutionary project, stated Maduro.

Regarding late Venezuelan President Hugo Chávez, he noted that he was the child of Bolívar’s ideas, and described his passing on March 5, 2013, as a devastating blow for the country.

Chávez must however be remembered with joy, fighting for happiness, with a an embrace of solidarity. If Chávez represented anything it was boundless joy and optimism, said Maduro.

He continued by noting that on March 5 four years ago, the right wing believed that the time to destabilize the Bolivarian Revolution had arrived.

Four years after his death, and the Bolivarian Revolution of a triumphant Chávez is still here and looking toward recovery; these are new times with new challenges, stated the Venezuelan President. He went on to explain that people around the world continue to love and defend Chávez, as well as Comandante Fidel Castro, whose ashes rest in a tomb in Santiago de Cuba, added Maduro.

With these two greats we will continue to face any situation. After almost 60 years of Revolution, it has cost heroic Cuba a great deal; cost the country a great deal to have an educated and conscious people. Here stands Cuba, undefeated and intact, making its way along its own path, he stated.

I can imagine Chávez saying to Fidel: We are not plowing the sea. We continue to reap the fruits of the good harvest planted by two great presidents, stated Maduro.

WE ARE FIDELISTAS AND CHAVISTAS: PRESIDENT OF BOLIVIA EVO MORALES

March 5 is a day to remember forever, as four years ago we cried and suffered, after hearing the news of the death of Hugo Chávez, Evo Morales recalled.

However, four years later, March 5 is a day of “strengthening and reflection.” The best tribute we can pay to our brother Chávez, who taught us to stand up against imperialism, is unity, stated the Bolivian leader. “Latin America is anti-capitalist. We are Fidelistas and Chavistas.”

It is very important to defend basic services such as human rights, which is why we must oppose privatization, stated Morales.

The Andean leader then called to continue expanding ALBA-TCP, which has proved to be the “axis of hope” on our continent, as opposed to the “axis of evil” as some initially described it.

He also mentioned the situation in various capitalist countries where migrants are being attacked. “There are walls for immigrants, but there are no walls against military bases and interventions,” highlighted Morales.

“The people of the world will organize to speak out against these types of policies,” he noted.

Photo: Estudio Revolución
At another moment during his speech, the Bolivian President recalled Cuba’s role in supporting revolutions in the region. “These changes we are seeing in Latin America are thanks to Cuba, thus I say: Thank you Raúl, thank you Fidel, we will always remember you.”

Four years after the death of Chávez, I must say that unity is the best and most important guarantee to continue the battle and the struggle.

CHAMPIONS IN REDUCING POVERTY: ECUADORAN FOREIGN MINISTER GUILLAUME LONG

We encountered Chávez in the late 1990s. It would have been extremely difficult for the people of the region to carry out the liberation processes currently unfolding across the continent, if it weren’t for the path he charted, stated Ecuador’s Foreign Minister.

We are the vanguard of the struggle against injustice on the continent, even though we are one of the most unequal regions on the planet, he noted.

ALBA member states have been champions in reducing poverty and we must continue fighting for true democracy which guarantees freedom for all, he stated.

Guillaume Long noted that his country has experienced two difficult years given economic troubles and the impact of severe natural events, but is on the road to recovery as all indicators show.

In this sense the Ecuadoran Foreign Minister explained the current situation regarding the country’s Presidential elections, noting that a dirty campaign to discredit President Rafael Correa is been waged by media outlets responding to the interests of the national oligarchy.

Ecuador has held democratic elections and after 10 years of government this is a very important achievement for us: electoral democracy is sacred.

WE CONTINUE TO BE COMMITTED TO INTEGRATION: PRIME MINISTER OF SAINT VINCENT AND THE GRENADINES RALPH GONSALVES

Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves repeated the call for unity among all peoples and nations which make up the Bolivarian Alliance for the People’s of Our America (ALBA), noting that Saint Vincent and the Grenadines remains firm in its commitment to the integration process.

He also emphasized the importance and reiterated his country’s support of the Summit’s final declaration which establishes the strengthening of the ALBA Bank and fund supporting migrants from Latin America and the Caribbean.

During his remarks, Gonsalves paid tribute to Comandante Hugo Chávez, recalling the leader’s efforts to strengthen Latin American and Caribbean unity.

THE CHALLENGES OF THESE TIMES DEMAND UNITY: PRIME MINISTER OF SAINT KITTS AND NEVIS TIMOTHY HARRIS

This has been a very productive meeting, where various issues regarding ways to improve the lives of our peoples have been discussed, noted the Caribbean leader.

There are, without a doubt, opportunities to strengthen cooperation and collaboration within ALBA, which is why we must have efficient transport systems to make our economies more independent and solid, he stated.

Harris also noted the importance of Bolívar’s vision and the efforts of his disciple Chávez, while reaffirming his country’s commitment to supporting ALBA and Petrocaribe.

We offer our support to the government of Venezuela, and Cuba knows that it has many friends in Caricom (the Caribbean community market), and we have always had excellent relations with the people and government of Cuba. Cuba always goes above and beyond the call of duty, stated Prime Minister Harris.

The challenges of these times demand unity, but this unity must be cemented in the region, he concluded.

ALBA IS A SOLIDARITY PROJECT: HEAD OF ANTIGUA AND BARBUDA’S DELEGATION NICHOLAS MELFORD

The Caribbean representative noted that the question of cultural exchanges was among issues discussed during the Summit. He highlighted that now is an important moment in this regard, given that a large part of the history of Latin America has been presented through the lenses of U.S. corporate media.

Thus he called for the role of teleSUR English to be strengthened in order to reach English speaking Caribbean nations.

He went on to note that he had the opportunity to have his photograph taken with one of his personal heroes, Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega, and commented that he was proud to participate in the same meeting as Cuban President Raúl Castro.

The principles of ALBA are important in moments of crisis. We must be proud that our leaders have sought to create a project that works in solidarity with the most humble.

ALBA – A KEY PIECE TO INTEGRATION: HEAD OF GRENADA’S DELEGATION OLIVER JOSEPH

ALBA has been a key piece to integration, stated Grenada’s representative, who also recalled that the bloc’s 14th Summit was held on the fourth anniversary of the death of Venezuelan leader Hugo Chávez. “This is a tribute to him and to Fidel Castro.”

The principles of ALBA are enduring and the policies which led to its creation are also shared by the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC). I would like to applaud ALBA’s various cooperation initiatives with international organizations to reduce poverty in the region, he said, and highlighted the important role played by Petrocaribe in this regard.

ALBA is a mechanism which contributes to improving the quality of life of our peoples. We are happy that it is focused on social and human issues, stated Joseph, adding that “Grenada considers Cuba and Venezuela to be great friends.”

POLITICAL WILL IS NECESSARY: SPECIAL ENVOY SENT BY THE PRESIDENT OF SURINAME, WINSTON LACKIN

Lackin expressed his full support for the Declaration and thanked Venezuela for its assistance offered through Petrocaribe. Regarding the private meeting held prior to the Summit, the regional representative noted that a lack of political will on the part of governments can create obstacles to establishing cooperation projects.

He also noted that although all regional integration mechanisms are working toward this end, a lack of political will presents a threat to such initiatives.

ALBA’S LEADERSHIP IS EXEMPLARY: HEAD OF DOMINICA’S DELEGATION REGINALD AUSTRID

Austrid recalled that many forces wanted to destroy ALBA and Petrocaribe, and thanked Venezuela and Cuba for their support after Hurricane Erika hit the region, two years ago.

We are aware of the challenges facing Venezuela and all ALBA and Petrocaribe member states, but their leadership has been exemplary in these circumstances.

WE HAVE NOT GIVEN UP: PRESIDENT OF NICARAGUA DANIEL ORTEGA

Both Chávez and Fidel are the eternal Comandantes of Latin America. We can tell both of them that we have not given up, stated Nicaraguan President Daniel Ortega.

These are times of crisis for the tyrannical model that has been imposed as part of neoliberal globalization, which seemed to be unstoppable and untouchable; and has now entered into crisis, Ortega noted.

The crisis is being caused by this very same model, which is why now is the time to create and grow, to continue strengthening the path being charted by ALBA and Petrocaribe, he said.

We do not oppose the market, but we must establish a fair market and trade mechanisms with a social commitment to our people.

We are not the ones erecting walls. These are times for Latin American and Caribbean integration, times to strengthen exchanges between our peoples, he stated, later praising the many achievements of the Cuban Revolution led by Fidel and Raúl.

Also participating in the 14th Alba summit were representatives of social movements who presented a statement of support.

(Granma)