The Embassy of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela in Saint Lucia has released a powerful Communiqué from the Member States of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) addressing the Extra-Regional Military Presence in the region.
This Communiqué reflects the unanimous stance of CELAC Member States, emphasizing the urgent need to promote a secure and stable environment while reaffirming their unwavering commitment to peace, regional stability, democracy, and sustainable development across Latin America and the Caribbean.
CELAC’s Statement on the Extra-Regional Military Presence in the Region asserts: Countries including Antigua and Barbuda, Barbados, Belize, Bolivia, Brazil, Chile, Colombia, Cuba, Dominica, Grenada, Guatemala, Honduras, Mexico, Nicaragua, Saint Kitts and Nevis, Saint Lucia, Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Suriname, Uruguay, and Venezuela express profound concern regarding the recent deployment of extra-regional military forces in our region.
It is imperative to recall that Latin America and the Caribbean have been declared a Zone of Peace, a commitment upheld by all Member States anchored in principles such as the prohibition of the threat or use of force, peaceful resolution of disputes, promotion of dialogue and multilateralism, and unwavering respect for sovereignty and territorial integrity.
There will be zero tolerance for interference in the internal affairs of States and a steadfast commitment to the inalienable right of peoples to self-determination.
Furthermore, we highlight that the Treaty for the Prohibition of Nuclear Weapons in Latin America and the Caribbean (Treaty of Tlatelolco) stands as a historic achievement, establishing our region as the world’s first densely populated area free from such weaponry.
This treaty exemplifies our collective resolve for peace, security, and the absolute rejection of nuclear weapons as tools of coercion or threat. We also recognize that transnational organized crime and drug trafficking pose significant challenges to establishing peaceful and inclusive societies.
Hence, we assert our determination to combat these issues as a top priority, enhancing regional and international cooperation grounded in respect for International Law and adherence to existing legal frameworks and international conventions. The CELAC countries that endorse this declaration call for an immediate promotion of a secure environment and reinforce their steadfast commitment to defending peace, stability, democracy, and development throughout our region.