CELAC member states condemn the Israeli genocide in Gaza and demand an immediate ceasefire in the Strip.
The eighth summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) kicked off in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean to discuss mechanisms for regional cooperation and integration, among other topics of common interest.
During the summit’s opening on Friday, Prime Minister Ralph Gonsalves of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines denounced the genocide committed by the Israeli occupation against the Palestinians and announced supporting the establishment of an independent Palestinian state.
Regarding tensions between the United States and Mexico, Gonsalves stated that “maintaining regional peace is a mission to confront imperialism and hegemony,” noting that “peace in Latin America is often undermined by the smuggling of US-made weapons to border-crossing gangs.”
On that, he declared support for Mexico’s initiative to file legal suits against American arms manufacturers.
United Nations Secretary-General Antonio Guterres highlighted the unity, solidarity, and cooperation demonstrated by Latin America and the Caribbean, noting that these qualities are key to promoting sustainable development and peace in the region.
He emphasized that these efforts help combat poverty, hunger, threats to social cohesion, and the climate crisis. He highlighted that arms and drug trafficking are significant threats in Latin America, and the United Nations will support initiatives that help mitigate their consequences.
The UN chief further criticized the global financial system, which he said is unjust and incapable of assisting the demands of developing nations.
Latin America: A war-free zone
Honduras assumed the temporary presidency of CELAC. Honduran President Xiomara Castro, who also serves as the president of the Central American Integration System, stated that she is “honored to assume the presidency of the group until 2025.”
“As a proud representative of the Honduran resistance, I send a strong, giant, and brave embrace to the noble people of the Latin American and Caribbean Great homeland,” she said, reaffirming her “unwavering commitment” to peace.
“Despite all the difficulties we have faced, we have managed to maintain our historical custom of being a war-free zone. Today we must reaffirm our commitment that never will a people of Latin America and the Caribbean use violence against a brotherly country,” she continued.
Castro emphasized that “the problems and differences among this bloc’s countries must be resolved among ourselves without external interference or pressure, using dialogue as a tool, and always thinking about regional well-being and the self-determination of peoples.”
“I am a defender of peace. Latin America must raise its voice.”
Bolivian President Luis Arce stressed that Latin America and the Caribbean must play a role in establishing the new world order and pointing out the crucial significance of being proactive regarding this objective.
source: AlMayadeen
