The final declaration of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America (Alba) Summit, approved in Caracas March 17, confirms the bloc’s commitment to peace in the face of new U.S. aggression.
The text, which rejects the executive order issued by President Barack Obama on March 9 - describing Venezuela as a threat to U.S. national security and thus declaring a state of emergency - calls for the peaceful resolution of conflicts with adherence to the principles of non-intervention.
Similarly, the document approved by heads of state, prime ministers and ministers of the 12 Alba member countries called on the U.S. government to act within the framework of the United Nations Charter and refrain from the use of coercive unilateral measures.
For Venezuelan Presdient Nicolás Maduro, in this way Alba reinforces global support for the proposed dialogue with Washington, which must be based on respect for dignity and sovereignty.
The leader recalled that this sentiment has been expressed on previous occasions by the Union of South American Nations (Unasur), Petrocaribe, the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) and the Movement of Non-Aligned Countries (NAM), of which Venezuela will assume the pro tempore presidency this year.
Maduro also noted that just as other integration mechanisms have done, Alba also calls on Obama to revoke the hostile executive order and establish a dialogue with Caracas as an alternative to conflict and confrontation.
In this way, the text proposes the creation of a group of guarantors from the hemisphere and institutions facilitating peaceful diplomacy, with the aim of alleviating tensions and establishing amicable relations between Venezuelan and the U.S.
Alba also reaffirmed that Latin America and the Caribbean is a Zone of Peace, where nations are moving forward in a process of integration and relations based on friendship, with the aim of continuing to guarantee greater happiness and well-being for their peoples.
The document also emphasized that far from being a threat to anyone, Venezuela is a nation which offers solidarity and has demonstrated its willingness to work in cooperation with entire region, and is a promoter of social peace and stability on the continent.
After calling for an end to hostile policies, it also warns that such strategies encourage destabilization and the use of violence by the Venezuelan opposition.
The declaration condemns the inter-national media campaign against Venezuela, which attempts to pave the way for large-scale intervention and hinders the resolution of differences through peaceful means.
After urging ambassadors of the Alba member nations and those of social movements to publicize the truth about Venezuela, the bloc also welcomed Maduro's initiative to send a message to the people of the United States. In the letter, which has been disseminated via the media and social networks, the Venezuelan President expresses his country's commitment to freedom, independence and multilateralism.
He described as false and unjust, unilateral and disproportionate, the executive order issued by Obama, which contradicts the longstanding friendship between Venezuela and the people of the United States.
The text also reaffirms Venezuela's commitment to peace, national sovereignty and international law, as an open and democratic society, in accordance with its Constitution and the wishes of its people. (PL)
