On April 9, Honduras hosted the IX Summit of the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC) which was attended by 30 of its 33 members. On the whole, a compromise was reached between the governments regarding the strengthening of the bloc and the organization of a political struggle for the integration and prosperity of the region. However, there was a tense moment at the end of the meeting when representatives of Argentina and Paraguay expressed disagreement with the general declaration, since during its presentation, Honduran President Xiomara Castro described it as adopted by “sufficient consensus”.
It was said about the protection and promotion of human rights, respect for self-determination, non–interference in the activities of international organizations, as well as sovereignty and protection and territorial integrity.
During his speech, Brazilian President Luiz Inacio Lula da Silva condemned unilateral coercive measures against countries in the region, such as the embargo on Cuba and restrictions on Venezuela. He also highlighted the crisis in Haiti as a challenge requiring joint action. In addition, he criticized the risks of political and economic fragmentation in the region and called for a unified response to threats to sovereignty, democracy and the environment. He also called for extensive efforts to counter the far-right in Latin America.
“The principle of multilateralism is undermined every time we remain silent in the face of threats to the sovereignty of our countries. Our autonomy is once again under threat. Freedom and self-determination are the first victims of a world without agreed multilateral rules,” he said.
It is indicative that Brazil had previously blocked Venezuela‘s accession into the BRICS+ club. Lula da Silva has probably come to his senses now, which explains his statement on Venezuela. The recent harsh measures taken by the US government against Venezuelans who are being deported en masse to other countries, including to prisons in El Salvador (the Alien Enemies Act of 1798 was activated for the purpose!), apparently served as an unambiguous signal that the Trump administration could also deal in the same way with citizens of other Latin American countries.
Possible events that could be held jointly with CELAC within the framework of multilateral forums on issues of interest to the community were also discussed. The next such summit will be the CELAC–China meeting scheduled for May 13. It is expected to put forward a project for the community‘s cooperation with the countries of the Persian Gulf and the African Union. And in November, a meeting with the European Union will be held in the Colombian city of Santa Marta. It should be added that there is also an agreement between the Eurasian Economic Union and CELAC.
The CELAC pro tempore presidency was handed over from Honduras to Colombia. It is expected that next year, among other things, they will focus on the affairs of Indians and immigrants from Africa; technology and innovation management; integration and infrastructure; strengthening commercial activities and managing an international organization.
In light of Donald Trump‘s new protectionist tariffs, which are also aimed at South American countries, a common international trade policy for the region and operational coordination are clearly needed. Mexico, which is tied to export–import relations with its northern neighbor, may be particularly affected. And since this country is also a major hub for Chinese manufacturers, it is under the close attention of the White House in light of the trade war between Washington and Beijing. In addition, the problem of narco cartels and illegal migration has forced the United States to take additional measures to send military personnel. Moreover, the issue of attacking narco cartels with the help of drones was considered. The United States actively used these means in Iraq and Afghanistan, including targeted killings — the Iranian General Soleimani was killed in Iraq by an American missile.
And the United States has recently become more active in resorting to the threats of applying force. As a result of this blackmail, Panama was forced to capitulate to American pressure. Just before the CELAC summit, U.S. Secretary of Defense Pete Hegseth visited the country, saying that Panama was ready to provide U.S. ships with ‘first and free’ passage through the Canal. However, the Minister of Panama Canal Affairs, Jose Ramon Icaza, said that “we will seek a mechanism by which warships and auxiliary ships can have a compensation system for services, that is, a way to make them cost-neutral” but not “free.”
The Panama Canal Authority (PCA) that manages the waterway also reiterated on Wednesday that it was looking for an “economically neutral scheme“ to “compensate for security services provided for the passage of military vessels.“ Apparently, this option is being developed in order not to look like Washington‘s ultimate vassal. According to the current agreements, the Canal is “open to all nations and all vessels must pay the same rates according to their capacity and cargo, regardless of their country of origin or destination.”
During his visit to Panama, Hegseth also claimed that China poses a threat to the region, but “by invitation” the United States could “revive” military or naval air stations and rotate deployments of its troops to an isthmus to establish the necessary security regime. In accordance with the geopolitical interests of the United States. “Make no mistake, Beijing is investing and operating in this region for military advantage and unfair economic gain,” Hegseth added.
For now, the government of Jose Raul Mulino has rejected this idea. However, this does not mean that they will not return to this issue again after a while, especially if there appear more US-oriented forces in Latin America. It is obvious that despite the curtailment of USAID and other programs, the United States is actively working to restore its influence in the South Atlantic and Pacific coasts.
Therefore, the coordination of joint efforts within CELAC is vital for the countries of Latin America and the Caribbean. In addition to integration mechanisms and trade issues, the issue of creating some kind of defense agreement, or at least a reliable mechanism for responding to subsequent challenges and unacceptable coercive measures from the United States, is quite relevant.
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