New York, September 26, 2024 – Within the framework of the XXIV Political Council of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – Peoples’ Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP), held at the United Nations headquarters in New York, Jorge Arreaza, Executive Secretary of the organization, presented the agreements and commitments adopted by member states for the coming months.

In a context of increasing geopolitical tension, Arreaza highlighted the importance of defending the independence, sovereignty, self-determination, and identity of member countries against attempts at political, economic, and digital domination.

During his speech, Arreaza emphasized that ALBA-TCP is undergoing a process of “revitalization” and reaffirmed the organization’s commitment to the fundamental principles of the United Nations Charter.

Among the key points of the agreement, there was a strong opposition to the installation of military bases in Latin America, reaffirming the declaration of the continent as a “Zone of Peace.” This opposition aligns with ALBA’s stance on preserving the territorial integrity and sovereignty of its member states.

Arreaza also addressed the political situation in the region, condemning the coup attempts in countries such as Venezuela, Colombia, and Honduras over the past year. He also denounced the misuse of the justice system, citing the case of former Ecuadorian Vice President Jorge Glas, who remains imprisoned. “Justice cannot be used as a political tool,” he stressed.

The ALBA-TCP declaration included a strong condemnation of the U.S. economic blockade against Cuba, demanding its removal from the list of so-called state sponsors of terrorism. Additionally, unilateral coercive measures targeting Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua were also firmly rejected.

Another highlighted point was the rejection of conspiracies aimed at destabilizing the government of President Nicolás Maduro, with a proposal to establish a Grand Anti-Fascist International in this context.

ALBA-TCP reiterated its condemnation of the genocide against the Palestinian people and made an urgent call for the cessation of hostilities.

On environmental matters, the Executive Secretary advocated for the establishment of a climate risk mitigation system and commended Antigua and Barbuda for its recent declaration on the issue.

The Alliance reaffirmed its commitment to the Caribbean, calling for fair treatment and reparations for the damages caused by colonialism and slavery, while committing to pursue a strategic agenda through 2030.

Furthermore, the creation of ALBA-Youth was announced, an initiative aimed at involving young people in the Alliance’s development agenda.

Finally, Arreaza announced that the ALBA-TCP Executive Secretariat is committed to organizing an Extraordinary Summit in December, marking the 20th anniversary of the creation of this multilateral organization and the 30th anniversary of the iconic embrace between Commanders Fidel Castro and Hugo Chávez in Havana.