The leaders of the Latin American countries at the CELAC summit in Buenos Aires.
Photo: REUTERS
The Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) was held in Buenos Aires, attended by representatives of 33 states in the region, writes Ámbito Financiero.
“All of Latin America and the Caribbean must unite and be a single region that defends the same interests”, was the opening speech of the Argentine president, Alberto Fernández. He expressed concern about the sharp increase in the level of support for far-right and fascist movements in Europe, and called for a similar threat to be prevented in Latin America.
Cuban President Miguel Díaz-Canel accused the US authorities of trying to disrupt the integration processes in Latin America and subordinate them to their own interests. “The stubborn reality will always be stronger than any attempt by the American people to divide us,” Díaz-Canel added.
Cuban President Miguel Diaz-Canel.
Photo: REUTERS
The Cuban leader’s speech was picked up by Colombian President Gustavo Petro, who pointed out that the United States’ anti-drug policy failed completely and only brought negative results. According to Petro, the US authorities see the drug problem as a military problem that requires tough measures. However, such a strategy only led to the strengthening of international drug cartels and an increase in the number of deaths both in Colombia due to the activities of illegal groups and in the United States due to overdoses.
The president of Uruguay, Luis Lacalle Pou, supported the idea of Brazil and Argentina to create a common currency, which could become the second market with the largest circulation in the world after the euro, and would also reduce dependence on the dollar.
President of Uruguay Luis Lacalle Pou.
Photo: REUTERS
There were also other internal disagreements. Thus, the president of Chile, Gabriel Boric, condemned the new president of Peru, Dina Boluarte, and urged her to change the political course of the country. “We cannot remain indifferent when Peruvians who go out to demonstrate and demand what they believe to be fair end up being shot dead by those who are supposed to protect them,” Boric said.
Anti-government protests in Peru turned into clashes with the police.
Photo: REUTERS
Venezuelan President Nicolás Maduro flatly refused to personally participate in the summit due to information about a provocation being prepared against him and delivered a speech via video link. In addition, he refrained from communicating with the newly elected president of Brazil, Lula da Silva, who wants to restore diplomatic relations with Caracas, which were broken by his predecessor in 2020. Representatives from Mexico, El Salvador and Ecuador also refused to participate in the top.
