Latin American peace, anti-imperialism, and Gaza at the heart of CELAC

By Al Mayadeen English
Source: Agencies
1 Mar 2024 23:19

CELAC's member states condemn the Israeli genocide in Gaza and demand an immediate ceasefire in the Strip.

Leaders of CELAC member states during the organization's eighth summit in Saint Vincent and the Grenadines in the Caribbean on Friday, March 1, 2024 (Social media)

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.

"There can only be global multipolarity if our region has and takes on an active and effective position. CELAC, as a space of political-ideological pluralism and a Latin American meeting point, has the historical responsibility of moving in that direction."

International justice exists to protect imperialists' interests

Venezuelan President Nicolas Maduro slammed during the CELAC summit the international position regarding the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Maduro then pointed out that "international justice exists only to protect the interests of American, European, and Western imperialism, in order to conceal the massacres committed against Palestinian families."

Over 100 Palestinians were killed and dozens of others were wounded on Thursday, in what has become widely known as the Flour Massacre, after Israeli tanks opened fire on thousands of civilians who gathered to receive aid packages in al-Rasheed Street, to the west of Gaza City.

Commenting on the horrific crime, the Venezuelan leader rebuked the ongoing situation in Gaza, saying, "What is this called? Human rights? Where is the international community's justice?"

The Venezuelan Vice President echoed Maduro's sentiment regarding the oppression Palestinians in Gaza are being subjected to amid international silence.

"The International Court of Justice is biased and negligent in confronting the genocide in Palestine," while "Israel has killed thousands of children and women in clear collusion with international justice," Delcy Rodriguez said.

'Our dignity and humanity at stake'

Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva reiterated demands for an immediate ceasefire and called on the five permanent members of the United Nations Security Council (UNSC) to set aside their differences and put an end to the genocide in Gaza.

"People in Gaza are dying while standing in lines to get food, and the international community does not care," Lula said, addressing the summit, adding that "30,000 martyrs have fallen, and the lives of civilians are at risk, our dignity and humanity are at stake."

"I want to take advantage of the presence of the UN Secretary-General, António Guterres, to support a proposal from the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States regarding an immediate cessation of the genocide committed by Israel in Gaza," he added.

He emphasized that "the humanitarian tragedy in Gaza requires all of us to be able to say 'enough' to the collective punishment imposed by Israel on the Palestinian people."

Colombian President Gustavo Petro also reaffirmed his counterparts' stances that "the United States and Europe support Israel in committing genocide against the Palestinians."

The summit also saw Nicaragua announcing steps against Germany for aiding "Israel" in its aggression on Gaza.

Germany's arms sales to "Israel" surged following the start of the war on Gaza last October, placing Berlin among the top providers of weapons to the occupation entity amid the ongoing genocide in Gaza.

Nicaragua said it had filed a lawsuit against Germany in the International Court of Justice ICJ for its military financial aid to "Israel" and demanded that the court order Germany to stop its aid to the occupation entity as an emergency measure.