Caracas, November 4, 2024 – The capital of Venezuela served as the epicenter for the establishment of the Parliamentary Network of the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America-People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) this Monday, within the framework of the World Parliamentary Forum against Fascism convened by the National Assembly.

The first vice president of the Venezuelan Parliament, Pedro Infante, initiated this network of deputies from the Alliance, emphasizing that this meeting is crucial for strengthening the fraternity and sovereignty of the countries in the region.

“The ALBA chapter must be fortified, especially in these times… It is essential for exchanging experiences and enhancing our capacities to combat fascism,” he stated.

The Executive Secretary of ALBA-TCP, Jorge Arreaza, affirmed that the Alliance represents the path to regional unity and the integration of peoples, highlighting the significance of this parliamentary network.

“Our leaders are urging us to prepare for a new era, where ALBA will be at the heart of an anti-fascist world. The parliamentary world is fundamental as it formulates laws and listens to the grassroots to construct this new era. We need to communicate with one another, in Spanish and English, as well as our dialects, to understand and articulate our positions, ensuring we do not move forward separately,” he warned.

Arreaza expressed gratitude to the National Assembly of Venezuela for convening the World Parliamentary Forum against Fascism, a space that enables the creation of this network.

Ana María Mari Machado, Vice President of the National Assembly of Cuba, condemned the United States’ blockade against Cuba as a genocidal policy. “This parliamentary network is something we owe to ourselves, allowing us, from our parliaments, to discuss integration and support for our foreign policies.”

Additionally, Joachim Henry, a senator from the ‘Laborista’ Party and Minister of Social Equity of Saint Lucia, emphasized the importance of the ALBA-TCP Parliamentary Network during times of sanctions and blockades. “On behalf of the Prime Minister of Saint Lucia, I thank you for this initiative… It will bring clarity to our peoples.”

Peter David, a member of the House of Representatives of Grenada, asserted that this network should serve as a platform to demand the lifting of the blockade against Cuba and Venezuela.

“We are also here to fight against fascism. We need solidarity to continue advancing what Fidel (Castro) and (Hugo) Chávez initiated… We have ALBA to combat fascism and to keep working towards unity… Through our parliaments, we can fight against fascism,” he added.

Rolando Enríquez Cuéllar, a deputy from Bolivia, stated that the ALBA-TCP Parliamentary Network is the result of the efforts of Commander Hugo Chávez and Fidel Castro. “The unity of parliamentarians cannot be limited to speeches; we must build our revolution step by step,” he emphasized.

On the other hand, Ashelle Morgan, senator and parliamentary secretary in the Office of the Prime Minister of Saint Vincent and the Grenadines, Ralph Gonsalves, highlighted that this network can create a block of solidarity against fascism.

Similarly, Silvia Ayala, the second alternate secretary of the board of directors of the Legislative Council of Honduras, indicated that the member countries of the Bolivarian Alliance are essential for confronting threats such as coups, blockades, and other assaults from national and international right-wing forces.

To conclude this session, Infante proposed the establishment of a promotional team in each ALBA country capable of laying the groundwork for creating a Parliament of the Bolivarian Alliance. The foundational proposal for this network will be presented to the National Assembly of Venezuela on Tuesday.

He also urged that each parliament of the Alliance, and every team of promoting deputies, elevate the foundational document to their parliaments to present a conclusive proposal during the 20th anniversary of ALBA-TCP on December 14.

Some of the objectives of the ALBA-TCP Parliamentary Network include combating fascism, generating coordination, cooperation, and the exchange of experiences in social, economic, cultural, health, and other areas.

In this first meeting, they agreed to strengthen relations between parliaments and encourage the formulation of norms and policies consistent with the objectives of the Bolivarian Alliance.