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CELAC National Coordinators declare
Latin America and the Caribbean a region of peace
The
Community of Latin American and Caribbean (CELAC)
member countries’ National Coordinators approved on
Saturday, January 25, a document which declared
Latin America and the Caribbean a Zone of Peace.
The
agreement is a landmark event for the region,
affirmed Cuban Deputy Foreign Minister Abelardo
Moreno during a press conference Saturday evening,
at the site of the 2nd CELAC Summit, the
multi-purpose exhibition hall Pabexpo, in Havana.
The
draft, and all other Summit declarations under
discussion, will be considered for approval by
foreign ministers on Monday, and by heads of state
and government January 28-29.
The
Zone of Peace declaration would commit CELAC member
countries to respect the principles and norms of
international law, and to seek peaceful resolution
of disagreements.
The
agreement would eliminate the threat and use of
force in our region, said Moreno, Cuban national
coordinator for the organization founded in 2011.
The
document also reflects the commitment of member
countries to strictly comply with their obligation
to refrain from interfering in the internal affairs
of other nations.
Moreno reported that, in the approved text, the
organization’s 33 independent nations reaffirm their
commitment to national sovereignty and
self-determination, to the right of all countries to
choose their own political, economic, social and
cultural system – a position which is essential to
peace among neighboring countries.
CHINA-CELAC COLLABORATON FORUM
Another document approved during the day of intense
work, which Moreno described as fruitful, called for
the establishment of a China-CELAC Cooperation
Forum.
The
Deputy Foreign Minister explained that such a body
will allow for the institutionalization and
consolidation of collaborative efforts between China
and the regional organization
The
fundamental interests of the region in regards to
such a forum will be further clarified in the
future, Moreno added.
Another issue addressed by CELAC national
coordinators meeting in Havana was a 2014 action
plan for CELAC.
Moreno reported that progress was made in
negotiations related to this document, and that
significant consensus exists around issues such as
food security, the elimination of hunger and the
reduction of poverty. (Laura Bécquer Paseiro)
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