New York, September 27, 2024 – Saint Lucia’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Alva Romanus Baptiste, expressed deep concern over the effects of climate change on small nations during the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly. He emphasized the need for international support for the most affected countries by this global crisis.

Baptiste stressed the urgency of building a political agenda to address climate change, stating that the world owes compensation to these nations for “the injustice of the climate crisis we are enduring, caused by the countries that have driven their own economic development.”

Regarding global issues, Baptiste made clear that Saint Lucia “condemns terrorism in all its forms, regardless of who commits it or where it occurs,” with a particular focus on the ongoing genocide against the Palestinian people.

He also reminded the Assembly that “since its independence, Saint Lucia has called for the recognition and establishment of the Palestinian State,” and condemned the “unnecessary obstacles that still prevent this from happening.”

Baptiste further emphasized that no State should become complicit in the aggression against the Palestinians, asserting that “the solution is neither impossible nor out of reach: the Palestinian people must be able to exercise their right to self-determination.”

In reference to the Bolivarian Republic of Venezuela, Baptiste pointed out that the right to self-determination means that this nation should be allowed to manage its own internal affairs without interference from other states.

Lastly, he condemned the sanctions and blockades imposed on brother nations, expressing solidarity with both Cuba and Venezuela.

New York, September 27, 2024 – The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda, Gaston Browne, called on Friday for the removal of U.S. sanctions against countries such as Cuba, Venezuela, and Nicaragua during his speech at the 79th United Nations General Assembly.

“We call for the lifting of sanctions against countries like Cuba; these are senseless measures that limit their economic development. It is time to break the chains of this outdated measure, which no longer serves the interests of our modern, interconnected world. Let us work together for a future based on respect and cooperation,” he asserted.

The Prime Minister of Antigua and Barbuda emphasized that the United Nations must address the issue of arms manufacturing and export. “I will address the crucial issue of small and light arms being exported from wealthy countries to our shores, creating instability and chaos. I urge the United States and other countries that produce these weapons to establish systems to limit the export of these lethal arms to our nations.”

He also called for serious attention to be given to climate justice, especially by the larger, more polluting nations.

Browne condemned the ongoing armed conflicts around the world. “Let us give peace a chance in Gaza, in Yemen. The anguish caused by wars spreads anguish across the world. It is humanity as a whole that bleeds. (…) Conflict kills not only the victims of bullets and bombs but also diminishes all of us as human beings.”

New York, September 26, 2024. Saint Vincent and the Grenadines’ Minister of Foreign Affairs, Frederick Stephenson, stated on Thursday that the Bolivarian Alliance for the Peoples of Our America – People’s Trade Treaty (ALBA-TCP) has become a strong alternative for the unity and integration of Latin American and Caribbean nations.

During the 24th Meeting of the ALBA-TCP Political Council, held in New York in the context of the 79th session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), the diplomat highlighted that the “spirit of unity” embodied by the organization is reflected in the Jamaica Letter, which condenses the vision and liberation projects for Latin America.

“The principles of our great liberators are brought to life through our founding leaders, Hugo Chávez Frías and Fidel Castro, who in their infinite wisdom, established this alliance. In the joint declaration that created ALBA, our leaders affirmed that the cardinal principle guiding this bloc is the highest sense of solidarity between the peoples of Latin America and the Caribbean,” Stephenson noted. He added that, 19 years after the founding of this organization on December 14, 2004, this vision remains as relevant as ever.

The Foreign Minister emphasized that, since its inception, ALBA-TCP has faced the hostile policies of hegemonic powers, which use economic and financial tools as weapons of war to try and maintain control over free and sovereign nations.

In this context, Stephenson condemned the imposition of unilateral coercive measures against Venezuela, Cuba, and Nicaragua.

“Indeed, there have been some setbacks, but our alliance continues to advance, grounded in international law and driven by the determination of our leaders to continue pursuing shared development goals for the benefit of our peoples,” he added.

Stephenson urged ALBA-TCP to continue fighting for sovereignty and independence, while strengthening ties with other multilateral organizations such as the Community of Latin American and Caribbean States (CELAC in Spanish), BRICS, the Southern Common Market (Mercosur in Spanish), and the Association of Southeast Asian Nations (ASEAN).

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.

New York, September 26, 2024 – During the 24th 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, Cuban Foreign Minister Bruno Rodríguez called for continued strengthening of the Alliance in the face of imperial attacks.

The representative of the largest island in the Caribbean denounced that foreign powers, particularly the United States government, are attempting to “undermine Cuba’s sovereign process of economic, social, and cultural development.”

He stated, “We reiterate our strongest support for the government of President Nicolás Maduro and the civic-military union of his people. It is up to the Venezuelans alone to resolve their own affairs, free from external interference.”

Rodríguez also condemned the fact that the people of Nicaragua are being targeted by unjust unilateral coercive measures and “fierce interventionist campaigns by the Washington government.”

The Cuban Foreign Minister, whose country is a member of ALBA-TCP, reaffirmed that the U.S. continues to unjustly maintain Cuba on the arbitrary and unilateral list of states allegedly sponsoring terrorism, “an infamous designation that intensifies the economic and financial blockade against the island and worsens the humanitarian damage inflicted for 65 years.”

He added, “Dear colleagues and friends, I send a strong embrace and all our solidarity to our Caribbean brothers and sisters who continue working tirelessly to rebuild their countries after the passage of hurricanes… The Caribbean community will always have in Cuba a sister that stands by their right to receive fair and special treatment.”

General Debate of the 79th Session of the General Assembly of the United Nations

New York, September 25, 2024 – Venezuela’s Minister of Foreign Affairs, Yván Gil, strongly criticized the United States on Wednesday, asserting that peace and security cannot advance globally while the imperialist powers hold the United Nations (UN) as a hostage.

During his address at the General Debate of the 79th session of the UN General Assembly, held in New York, the Venezuelan Foreign Minister questioned, “How can we advance on matters of peace and security when the body responsible for maintaining it is being held hostage by the United States of America, whose government persists in providing impunity to violators of international law?”

In this context, Gil denounced that oligarchies, led by the U.S. government, “are attacking the UN Charter with the aim of destroying this organization from both the outside and within,” which they have nearly achieved through the promotion of “the involvement of private corporations, non-governmental organizations, and other strategies that undermine the sovereignty of States,” disguised under what they term the “rules-based order.”

Gil further warned of the resurgence of fascism and Nazism, “political movements of imposition and domination that promote white supremacy, racism, xenophobia, and other forms of discrimination, normalized with the support of major international media monopolies and social networks, which are at the service of imperialism and neocolonialism, supporting their plans to create tensions, fabricate conflicts, and divide peoples.”

Genocide in Palestine

The Venezuelan diplomat condemned the genocide in Palestine, perpetrated by the Zionist regime of Israel, which “has murdered tens of thousands of innocent girls, boys, women, and men, with the complicity of the governments of the United States and the European Union.” He highlighted that “they also aim to export their hatred and destruction to an entire region, bombing and killing innocents in Lebanon and Syria, while trying to destabilize the Islamic Republic of Iran,” which poses a serious threat to humanity and global peace.

“Israel has become a death machine that must be stopped immediately. However, instead of halting the massacre and bringing those responsible to justice, the powerful continue to expand war into Europe and other parts of the world through military blocs such as NATO. After Ukraine’s defeat in its Nazi adventure, they now seek to carry war and terrorism to Great Russia, which, as history has taught us, will always emerge victorious,” he emphasized.

Threat to Peace in South America

Minister Gil also warned about the threat to South American peace posed by NATO’s expansion, “with the establishment of military bases, facilitated by the complicit governments of Argentina and Ecuador.”

“Hate speech fuels and promotes terrorism in its various forms. From U.S. territory, for instance, attacks, assassination attempts, destabilization efforts, and aggressions against sovereign peoples, such as Venezuela, are planned,” he stated.

In this context, he pointed out that imperialism has resorted to using information and communication technologies, such as social media, to fabricate “psychological wars aimed at exploiting feelings of hatred and destruction, without any form of control.”

End of colonialism

The Head of Venezuela’s Bolivarian diplomacy reaffirmed the country’s anti-colonial stance, rejecting the persistence in “maintaining a status quo that only benefits the occupying and administering powers.” He expressed Venezuela’s “firm support for all peoples fighting for their inalienable right to self-determination, full independence, and ownership of their destiny, lands, and resources.”

“It is time for the aspirations of our brothers and sisters in Western Sahara, Puerto Rico, New Caledonia, French Polynesia, Bonaire, and many other territories to be finally realized,” he declared.

He concluded by emphasizing that Venezuela “embraces with determination all these great causes, which we have historically made our own. We are determined to contribute to the end of colonialism in all its forms and manifestations.”

MFA Venezuela