Latin America
Related: About this forumLatin America unites against US attack on Venezuelan democracy
By Frederick B. Mills, COHA
COHA
Tuesday, Feb 10, 2015
A special commission of the two largest associations of Latin American nations, CELAC (which includes all of the Latin America and the Caribbean) and UNASUR (which represents South American countries) met today in Montevideo, Uruguay, to analyze the relationship between the United States and Venezuela as well as the situation inside Venezuela. The commission, which has been convened at the request of the President of Venezuela, Nicolas Maduro, includes the foreign ministers Delcy Rodríguez (Venezuela), Ricardo Patiño (Ecuador), María Ángela Holguín (Colombia) and Mauro Vieira (Brazil), as well as the Secretary General of UNASUR, Ernesto Samper.
Early indications are that this broad based association is calling for the U.S. to cease interference in the internal affairs of Venezuela; for Caracas to resume a dialogue inside Venezuela; as well as for the commencement of a U.S.Venezuela dialogue. This call is only the latest in a series of statements of solidarity with Caracas and the rejection of U.S. meddling in the internal affairs of member states issued by regional political and economic associations as well as social movements.
In an interview with the author on February 9, 2015, Director of the Council on Hemispheric Affairs, Larry Birns, observes:
Washington is basically being berated by Latin America for its campaign to pressure and to otherwise weigh-in against the regions sovereignty and its inalienable right to conduct its own economic and political policies according to its own writ. It appears that Washington believes it can carve away, in silence, the rest of Latin America, including Cuba, from Venezuela. But the statements coming out of UNASUR and CELAC should serve as a strong reminder that Latin American unity remains intact.
The UNASUR commission has convened at a time of increasing U.S. belligerency towards the Maduro administration in the form of sanctions, unsubstantiated attempts to criminalize and delegitimize the government, and increases in soft power funding to opposition groups inside Venezuela. On February 3, 2015, in response to the expanded sanctions imposed by Washington against Caracas, the Venezuelan Foreign Ministry released a statement that read: The Government of the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela deplores the continued attacks by the Government of the United States that continue violating the principles of national sovereignty, equal rights and non-interference in the internal affairs inherent in international law (Telesur). There is a sense of urgency within the Chavista camp, that in the face of a divided opposition the role of foreign interference on behalf of the counter revolution may be stepped up to fill the gap. Venezuela, however, is not alone.
Full article: http://axisoflogic.com/artman/publish/Article_69317.shtml
Judi Lynn
(160,542 posts)Can't believe there are dirtbags who attempt to claim just because the US has done it all before that it's not doing it now, when we all know how stupid it is to even dream of making that claim.
We all knew, the moment they started making overtures to Cuba that the attempts to break the bonds between Venezuela and Cuba would be made almost immediately. Remember Reagan's maneuver in getting Russia to break totally any ties to Cuba during his deal with that country.
Beneath contempt. Dirty, ugly, evil.
Hope UNASUR will continue to stand up for what's right, regional complete sovereignty, without US interference. May they grow stronger. That's real progress for the people of the Americas.
polly7
(20,582 posts)It's so painfully obvious to anyone who's been paying even a bit of attention, what they're trying to do.
They won't get away with it though, Chavez educated his people and involved them in every decision and they had direct participation in the gov't - he knew Venezuela's progress depended on all those people who'd been treated so horrifically in the past. With UNASUR's help, they'll never have to go back to dirty right-wing policies and treatment. They've earned the right to remain completely sovereign and yes, the outside interference in it is exactly what you said.
sabrina 1
(62,325 posts)Western Global Crooks from invading them again. He knew how they operate and it was he, airc, who was responsible for this Organization. They hated him because he reestablished the sovereignty stolen from Latin American nations.
The bullies were foiled by him.
His legacy is a great one, for that region of the world.
I am so glad to see them standing together to end the obvious attempt to destabilize Venezuela.
I don't get it, why can they not just ask for what they want, why not deal honestly, in the open?
No place is safe on this planet from the brutal machinations of these crooks.
I wish them well.
polly7
(20,582 posts)hack89
(39,171 posts)that is the only reason Cuba is willing to accept closer ties with America- that billion dollar VZ gravy train is coming to an end.
hack89
(39,171 posts)What does that tell you about where Cuba thought VZ was heading post Chavez? Not much solidarity there.
polly7
(20,582 posts)Not too much secret about that.
hack89
(39,171 posts)Subsidies from VZ are the single largest source of revenue for the Cuban government. As VZ spirals into economic collapse they had no real choice but to turn to America. Their hope is to replace VZ oil money with US tourist dollars.
Think how desperate the Cubans must be. They have to find a way to keep their economy working before there is another revolution.
polly7
(20,582 posts)Latin America will be just fine, but keep on with your stories ... they're slightly interesting, anyway.
hack89
(39,171 posts)you do understand how dependent Cuba is on VZ just to survive?